Geezer Butler Visits Ozzy Osbourne in Hospital on His Birthday: “Brothers to the End”
On July 17th, legendary bassist Geezer Butler marked his 75th birthday in a way that resonated far beyond the usual fanfare of cake and candles. Instead of hosting a grand celebration or spending the day with family, Butler chose to visit his longtime friend and bandmate, Ozzy Osbourne, who is currently hospitalized as his health struggles continue.
For fans of Black Sabbath, the moment is bittersweet—a reflection of brotherhood forged over decades, tested by time, and now bonded by compassion in the face of life’s harshest realities.
“I Had to See My Brother”
Sources close to the Osbourne family confirm that Geezer arrived at the hospital quietly in the early afternoon, opting for a private visit away from cameras and media attention. Butler, who has shared countless stages with Ozzy since the formation of Black Sabbath in 1968, reportedly spent nearly two hours at Ozzy’s bedside, talking, laughing softly, and even reminiscing about their early days in Birmingham.
“He told Ozzy, ‘I’m 75 today, but I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you, mate,’” said a close family friend who witnessed the exchange. “There were moments of laughter, moments of silence, but the love was palpable. These guys have been through everything together.”
Ozzy’s Ongoing Health Battle
Ozzy Osbourne, now 76, has faced a series of severe health setbacks in recent years. While Parkinson’s disease has been publicly acknowledged since 2020, insiders and fans alike point to the infamous 2003 ATV accident as the root of many of Ozzy’s ongoing problems. The accident crushed vertebrae in his neck and led to a cascade of spinal surgeries and complications.
More recently, Ozzy has suffered from recurring infections, nerve damage, and respiratory issues, which have led to multiple hospital stays over the past two years. His wife Sharon Osbourne has been candid about the family’s struggles, revealing earlier this week that Ozzy’s current hospitalization is “serious, but he’s still fighting.”
“He’s got the heart of a lion,” Sharon told reporters. “Even when his body’s giving him hell, Ozzy keeps that wicked sense of humor. And having Geezer come to see him today meant the world.”
A Birthday of Brotherhood
For Butler, the decision to spend his birthday at the hospital wasn’t a difficult one.
“Look, we’ve been through the highs of headlining the world and the lows of rehab and loss,” Butler said in a brief social media post after the visit. “I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my birthday than to sit with my brother. Ozzy’s my mate. Always has been. Always will be.”
The post, shared on Butler’s official Instagram account, featured a black-and-white photo of him and Ozzy from the early 1970s, both smiling in leather jackets, looking like the kings of the rock world. The caption simply read:
“75 today. Still here. Still love you, Oz. Brothers to the end.”
Fans and Fellow Musicians React
The news of Butler’s hospital visit quickly spread across social media, prompting an outpouring of love from fans and fellow musicians. Metallica’s James Hetfield commented, “That’s what true friendship looks like. Respect, Geezer.” Meanwhile, Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan posted, “Legends don’t just play together—they stick together.”
Even younger artists like Yungblud, who recently connected with Ozzy and has spoken publicly about being mentored by both Osbourne and Butler, chimed in:
“Legends. This is family. All the love and respect in the world.”
Black Sabbath’s Unbreakable Bond
Geezer Butler’s visit is a testament to the unique and enduring bond between Black Sabbath’s founding members. While the band officially retired from touring in 2017 with their farewell tour The End, their personal relationships have remained complicated yet close.
In recent interviews, Butler has acknowledged periods of tension but always underscored the depth of their shared history. “It’s like being married for 50 years,” he said in a 2023 interview. “You don’t always get along, but when the chips are down, you show up for each other.”
That sentiment rang true this week, as Butler walked into Ozzy’s hospital room not as a bandmate, but as a brother.
The Legacy Continues
While Ozzy’s future remains uncertain, both he and Butler have insisted that their legacy is about more than just music. It’s about loyalty, friendship, and surviving life’s brutal twists together.
As Geezer Butler marked his 75th birthday by sitting quietly beside Ozzy Osbourne’s hospital bed, fans were reminded once again why Black Sabbath remains one of the most beloved bands in rock history—not just for their groundbreaking riffs, but for their unshakable camaraderie.
And in a world where friendships often fade with fame, Geezer and Ozzy have proven that some bonds are truly eternal.
“Brothers to the end.”
