Ozzy Osbourne’s close friend reveals emotional final text he received before rock icon’s death

Following the death of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne many people celebs have been reflective of their relationship with the star, including his guitarist and friend Zakk Wylde.

Rockstar Osbourne passed away last Tuesday (July 22) and tributes across the world have poured in reflecting on his impact on music.

Osbourne’s friend and longtime guitarist Wylde has explained the final text he received from the rocker and spoke about their relationship.

The 58-year-old Wylde said they texted after Black Sabbath’s farewell concert in Birmingham, UK, on July 5.

Wylde said he was in attendance to watch the performance but didn’t get a chance to see Osbourne backstage, saying it was simply too hectic.

He also admitted he thought he would see Osbourne in the following days, despite being aware that he was unwell. Unfortunately this never happened.

Speaking to Guitar World, in an interview, he said: “Everybody and their mother were in the backstage dressing room and I just wanted to give him a break.

Zakk Wylde spoke about his relationship with Ozzy (Mike Guastella/WireImage)

“The last text I got from Oz was saying, ‘Zakky, sorry, it was like a madhouse back there. I didn’t see you.’ He goes, ‘Thanks for everything.’ It was just us talking, saying, ‘I love you, buddy.’ That was it.”

Wylde also got reflective of their decades-long friendship and insisted that Osbourne was more than just a musical partner.

He said: “Oz was just the best. I have my father, who was a World War II veteran; and then Ozzy, who was almost like an older brother.

“There was almost a 20-year age gap between us. With our relationship, there was the fun drinking – but if I ever needed advice, I could talk to him.”

He added that despite the light and playful dynamic, when it came to making music, everything came together.

He continued: “It felt natural with Oz. Very rarely would things turn into a math equation, where you needed a manual to figure out a part. If that starts it’s probably not going to happen.”

Fans poured into the streets for Ozzy Osbourne's funeral (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Osbourne’s funeral cortege took place in Birmingham on July 30 and proved to be a very emotional affair.

His wife, Sharon and his daughter Kelly Osbourne were spotted holding back tears as they took to the city’s streets to mourn with music fans.

A procession was held as a hearse carrying Ozzy's body made its way around Birmingham. On top of his casket was a purple flower arrangement reading 'OZZY'.