Robert Trujillo Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo has shared a deeply personal tribute to heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, just days before attending his funeral in Birmingham. The Black Sabbath frontman and rock pioneer passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, surrounded by family and love.
Trujillo, who worked with Osbourne during the early years of his career, remembered Ozzy not just as a music icon, but as a man who shaped lives through both opportunity and friendship. Before becoming known worldwide as Metallica’s bassist, Trujillo performed with Osbourne and had his band Infectious Grooves supported by the legendary vocalist.
“Ozzy was a humble man and sometimes so honest it hurt, but his sense of humour made everything absolutely amazing,” Trujillo wrote. “Touring with Ozzy and Zakk [Wylde] was always a wild adventure. Those two together… it was a crazy, awesome rollercoaster.”
He described Ozzy’s powerful impact on his life and career, recalling how the rock icon once demanded that Infectious Grooves open for him on the Theater of Madness tour — a career-changing moment for Trujillo. “Because of Oz, Infectious Grooves was able to tour back in ’91 as a brand-new band… he made us step up and make it happen.”
In an emotional Instagram post featuring a tour program photo of himself with Osbourne, Trujillo revealed he would be traveling to the UK to attend Ozzy’s funeral. He emphasized that Osbourne was “the conduit for so many new relationships,” both creatively and personally. “Ozzy gave us everything he had in his final days,” Trujillo concluded. “We’re all so thankful for his heart and soul.”
Trujillo’s tribute joins a wave of messages from fellow artists and fans mourning the loss of the “Prince of Darkness.” Stars such as Elton John, Alice Cooper, Jack White, Billie Joe Armstrong, Yungblud, Coldplay, and Ghost’s Tobias Forge have all paid their respects. Members of Black Sabbath — Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler — have also shared heartfelt messages in honor of their late bandmate.
A public funeral cortege is being held today (July 30) in Ozzy’s hometown of Birmingham. Beginning at 1 p.m. BST, the procession will travel along Broad Street, passing by the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench — a now-sacred site where thousands have laid flowers and written tributes. The local band Bostin’ Brass will accompany the event.
This public gesture precedes a private funeral service, but offers fans a final opportunity to pay respects to a man whose legacy changed the face of rock music forever. As Trujillo aptly put it, “Ozzy and Black Sabbath were and still are the soundtrack to our lives. The inspiration they gave us is beyond words.”
Black Sabbath – interview with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler
