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Metallica’s Robert Trujillo wrote a bittersweet tribute to Ozzy Osbourne the day before the late rocker’s funeral
The bassist and Osbourne performed together from 1996 to 2003 when he was part of Osbourne’s solo band
Thousands of fans gathered in Buckingham to pay tribute to the Prince of Darkness ahead of his private funeral service
Metallica’s Robert Trujillo is remembering Ozzy Osbourne.
In a poignant Instagram post shared on Tuesday, July 29 ahead of Osbourne’s funeral in Birmingham the following day, the bassist wrote about the late Prince of Darkness.
Trujillo, 60, and Osbourne, who died on July 22, performed together from 1996 until 2003 as part of Osbourne’s solo band.
Trujillo’s post called Osbourne “the conduit for so many new relationships both creative collaborations and real, lasting friendships,” naming musicians connected to Osbourne who have become his children’s godfathers.
He also credited Osbourne for being the reason the supergroup Infectious Grooves was able to tour in 1991. “We weren’t ready to hit the road, but he made us step up and make it happen,” Trujillo wrote, adding that they opened for Osbourne’s Theater of Madness tour.
“Ozzy was a humble man and sometimes so honest it hurt but his sense of humor made everything absolutely amazing. Touring with Ozzy and Zakk was always a wild adventure. Those two together… it was a crazy, awesome rollercoaster,” he continued. “We’re all so thankful for his heart and soul.”
The musician called Osbourne and Black Sabbath “the soundtrack to our lives.” “The inspiration they gave us is beyond words. The first real alternative rock band, in my opinion.”
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Trujillo continued: “Now it’s time to pay our respects, share our love, and offer our support to Sharon and the family. It’s heartbreaking but we know Ozzy gave us everything he had in his final days.”
“I’m so honored that Lars, James, Kirk, and I (Metallica) got to celebrate with him, to share our music and Sabbath’s music on such a special day in Birmingham,” he added. “Being part of that meant so much to us.”
“Ozzy, RIP brother. We love you,” Trujillo signed off the post.
Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
Ozzy Osbourne and Robert Trujillo in 2006
Osbourne’s family announced his death on July 22, writing that he was “with family and surrounded by love.” A source told PEOPLE that the “Iron Man” singer was home and with his wife of over 40 years, Sharon, in the days before he died.
“[Sharon’s] deepest hope was fulfilled, and this is her focus now,” the source said. “Ozzy’s final days were spent in England, surrounded by family, music and in the place he called home. He was in peace.”
The source also spoke about Black Sabbath’s final concert, which took place on July 5 in Birmingham’s Villa Park. The show marked the first time the band reunited in 20 years while also being Osbourne’s swan song. Osbourne performed from a throne shaped like a bat.
“That show meant everything,” the source said of the massive concert. “It brought his career full circle.”
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Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Black and Robert Trujillo in 2024
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On Wednesday, July 30, a funeral procession took place on Birmingham’s Broad Street leading up to the Black Sabbath Bridge, where a public memorial had been set up by fans in recent days.
His family, including Sharon, 72, and their children Jack, Kelly and Aimee were greeted by thousands of fans who gathered to pay tribute to Osbourne during the procession.
A private ceremony in which Osbourne would be laid to rest took place in Buckinghamshire is set to take place later in the day, the BBC reported.
Read the original article on People
