Recommendations of the Editorial team
The music world mourns the loss of an icon: Ozzy Osbourne, known as the “Prince of Darkness” and singer of Black Sabbath, died on July 22nd at the age of 76. A week later, Robert Trujillo spoke up. Metallica’s bass player, who himself worked with Osbourne for many years, says goodbye to Osbourne on Instagram.
Robert Trujillo about Osbourne: a mentor, friend and pioneer
For a photo that shows him together with Osbourne on an old tour program, Trujillo writes that he is on his way to London for the funeral. He wanted to say one thing above all: “Ozzy was the agent for so many new relationships – both creative cooperation and real, permanent friendships.”
At the beginning of the 1990s, Osbourne Trujillos then enabled her first big tour Infectious Grooves, although at that time it was hardly more than a loose project with a few songs recorded. Osbourne nevertheless gave them their trust and brought them on tour. “We weren’t ready yet, but he made us do it anyway.”
Trujillos style as a bass player was also promoted by Osbourne. So Trujillo remembers how much Ozzy loved his groovy, funky sound and absolutely wanted to have him on the “Theater of Madness” tour. “I am your best friend, Rob. I love the bass – the fungier and heaven, the better!”, So Osbourne encouraged him at the time.
Chaos, passion and real rock’n’roll energy
Trujillo describes the years together in Osbournes Soloband – together with guitarist Zakk Wylde – as wild and unforgettable. “Being on tour with Ozzy and Zakk was always a wild adventure. These two together … It was a crazy, great roller coaster ride.”
In his review, he also emphasizes how much Black Sabbath shaped him. “Ozzy and Black Sabbath were and are still the soundtrack of our lives,” he writes. For him, the band was “the first real alternative rock band” long before the genre even existed.
One last joint appearance with Metallica
At the beginning of July, Trujillo with Meallica stood on Osbourne’s side one last time. At the farewell concert “Back to the Beginning” concert on July 5 in Birmingham, they celebrated the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath together. “I feel so honored that Lars, James, Kirk and I were allowed to celebrate with him – our music and that of Sabbath were allowed to share on such a special day.”