Former Ozzy Osbourne Drummer Wasn't Invited to Final Concert

Tommy Aldridge, who played on Ozzy's iconic 'Bark at the Moon' album, says he wasn't asked to join the star-studded lineup for Ozzy's farewell show.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Tommy Aldridge, the former drummer for Ozzy Osbourne's band in the early 1980s, revealed that he was not invited to participate in Ozzy's final concert before the heavy metal legend's death in 2025. Aldridge, who played on Ozzy's 'Bark at the Moon' album, said he has no ill will towards Ozzy and understands the decision, but was disappointed to miss out on the star-studded farewell event.

Why it matters

Aldridge's exclusion from Ozzy's final concert highlights the complex relationships and politics that can exist within the music industry, even among longtime collaborators. While Aldridge maintains respect for Ozzy, his absence from the send-off raises questions about the selection process for the event's lineup and whether all of Ozzy's former bandmates were properly recognized.

The details

Aldridge, who also played with bands like Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy over his long career, was a key member of Ozzy's band in the early 1980s. He played on the iconic 'Bark at the Moon' album in 1983 and developed a close friendship with guitarist Randy Rhoads, who tragically died in a plane crash shortly after. Aldridge said his motivation for joining Ozzy's band was largely due to the opportunity to perform alongside Rhoads. However, after Rhoads' death, Aldridge left Ozzy's band in 1984-85. While Aldridge maintains respect for Ozzy, he was disappointed to not be invited to participate in Ozzy's final concert, which featured a star-studded lineup of heavy metal and rock icons.

  • Aldridge played with Ozzy's band from 1981 to 1984-85.
  • Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, just weeks after playing his final concert in England.

The players

Tommy Aldridge

A longtime rock drummer who played with Ozzy Osbourne's band in the early 1980s, including on the 'Bark at the Moon' album.

Ozzy Osbourne

The heavy metal legend and former lead singer of Black Sabbath, who died in 2025 shortly after playing his final concert.

Randy Rhoads

The guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and was a close friend of Aldridge, before tragically dying in a plane crash.

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What they’re saying

“Well, I don't wanna cast dispersions. I don't want to shade anyone. I wasn't invited to be at Ozzy's last show. That's as much as I need to say. I wasn't invited. And I'm not gonna crash someone else's party.”

— Tommy Aldridge, Former Ozzy Osbourne Drummer (YouTube)

“I will say, but that has no reflection on Ozzy. I have so much admiration and love for Ozzy. Ozzy was someone I spent a lot of time with, and it was by no means any disrespect intended on my part—certainly not—and the powers that be. I pay my highest regards and respects to Ozzy Osbourne on any opportunity I get to do that.”

— Tommy Aldridge, Former Ozzy Osbourne Drummer (YouTube)

The takeaway

Aldridge's exclusion from Ozzy's final concert, despite his close history with the metal icon, highlights the complex dynamics that can exist within the music industry, even among longtime collaborators. While Aldridge maintains respect for Ozzy, his absence raises questions about how artists are recognized and included in major farewell events.