Tony Iommi has revealed his final phone call with Ozzy Osbourne, sharing that the legendary Black Sabbath frontman admitted he felt tired and worn out just one night before he died. Osbourne passed away from a heart attack on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, seventeen days after Black Sabbath’s historic Back To The Beginning show, according to reports from Loudwire Nights.
Reflections on the Back To The Beginning Concert
Black Sabbath performed their final live concert, titled “Back To The Beginning,” on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. According to Tony Iommi in an interview with Loudwire Nights, the guitarist experienced mixed emotions about the event. While Iommi was happy with how the show turned out and impressed by the bands who attended to celebrate Black Sabbath, seeing Osbourne perform while seated on a throne felt unusual.
Iommi explained to Loudwire Nights, as cited by Guitar World, that he was accustomed to seeing Osbourne run around the stage, approach bassist Geezer Butler or the drummer, and pull playful faces during performances. Standing back by drummer Bill Ward, Iommi noted that not being able to see Osbourne move around freely made the experience distinct from their decades of touring together, though he remains grateful that the band had the opportunity to perform that final gig.
The Final Phone Call With Ozzy Osbourne
The night before Osbourne passed away, Iommi spoke with his longtime bandmate on the phone. According to Iommi’s interview details shared by Guitar World, Osbourne told him, “I really feel tired and really worn out.” Iommi recalled responding that Osbourne was bound to feel exhausted given the stress, pressure, and demands surrounding the reunion event. The following day, Osbourne died.
Tony Iommi’s New Solo Album From The Dark
Alongside reflecting on the final days of Black Sabbath, Iommi is preparing for the release of his new solo album, From The Dark, scheduled for release on October 23 through BMG, as reported by MusicRadar. The album features Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin, and drummer Karl Brazil, with co-production by Iommi and long-time collaborator Mike Exeter.
The record features heavy, down-tuned guitar riffs and orchestral arrangements on tracks such as “Over The Violent Sun,” “Black Times,” the lead single “World Alone,” and “Beyond The Dead.”