Ozzy Osbourne says Tony Iommi has been “such a support” through his health problems

Ozzy Osbourne has spoken about his relationship with his former Black Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi, describing how he has reconnected with the guitarist as he’s been treated for his recent health issues.

During a one-hour radio special celebrating the 40 anniversary of his debut solo album, ‘Blizzard Of Ozz, Osbourne told WSFL 106.5 that “the Black Sabbath guys are never that far away from my thoughts, whether I like them today or not. Since I’ve been laid up these last 18 months, Tony Iommi has been such a support for me. So supportive. I’ve been closer to him in the last 18 months than I ever have been.”

Earlier this year, Osbourne revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis. It came after he was recovering from a fall at home the year before. He said at the time:“[2019] was the worst, longest, most painful, miserable year of my life. When I had the fall, I just fell and landed like a slam on the floor,” Osbourne said. “After that, it was all downhill.”

He made reference to his and Iommi’s sometimes frayed relationship, saying: “We never got on for years. But whatever he did before and whatever I did before… it’s so important that when you’re laid up, somebody cares enough to give you a thought. That’s all you need – a phone call or a text. It means the world.”

Back in April, Iommi said that he’d been in touch with Osbourne on a daily basis during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown – saying that it had “brought us all closer” together.

Geezer Butler has also recently spoken about the possibility of a Black Sabbath reunion. The bassist said that “there will definitely be no more Sabbath – it’s done,” however that’s not for lack of friendly dynamics within the group, it seems, following Ozzy’s comments. The last show for the metal band took place 4 February 2017.

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