Black Label Society Pays Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne on New Album Closer

Guitarist Zakk Wylde reflects on writing 'Ozzy's Song' to honor his former boss and friend.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:15pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of Ozzy Osbourne's studded leather jacket, capturing the rugged texture and glittering details in a dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting setup that evokes a sense of rock star glamour and legacy.A final tribute to the 'Prince of Darkness' through the lens of rock n' roll iconography.Los Angeles Today

Black Label Society's new album 'Engines of Demolition' concludes with a track titled 'Ozzy's Song,' a tribute to the band's former frontman Ozzy Osbourne. Guitarist Zakk Wylde, who has collaborated with Osbourne for years, explains how he was inspired to write the song after attending Osbourne's funeral and reflecting on their shared history performing together.

Why it matters

Ozzy Osbourne is considered an iconic figure in rock music, and his influence and impact on fans and musicians alike is immeasurable. This tribute track from Wylde, who has been closely associated with Osbourne for decades, provides a poignant and personal farewell to the 'Prince of Darkness' from one of his most trusted musical partners.

The details

Wylde recalls attending the funeral for Osbourne and then playing a Pantera show at Jones Beach Theater in New York, where he and Osbourne had performed together in the past. After the Pantera show, Wylde says he went home and started writing the lyrics to 'Ozzy's Song' while looking through one of Osbourne's books. Wylde's girlfriend is credited with naming the track, as she kept referring to it as 'Ozzy's song' when listening to it. Wylde knew the song had to be the final track on the album to serve as a proper sendoff for his longtime friend and collaborator.

  • Wylde attended Ozzy Osbourne's funeral before playing a Pantera show at Jones Beach Theater in New York.
  • After the Pantera show, Wylde went home and wrote the lyrics to 'Ozzy's Song'.

The players

Zakk Wylde

The guitarist for Black Label Society who has collaborated extensively with Ozzy Osbourne over the years.

Ozzy Osbourne

The legendary heavy metal singer and frontman, also known as the 'Prince of Darkness,' who passed away recently.

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What they’re saying

“We laid Ozzy to rest, and then I flew back out and we played Jones Beach [Theater in Long Island, New York]. That was the first Pantera show after lay­ing Ozzy to rest. I was having Ozzy flashbacks because the last time [Ozzy and I] played there it was raining and it was packed. I'll never forget that.”

— Zakk Wylde, Guitarist, Black Label Society

“When the Pantera celebration run ended, I came home and sat in our library here at the house and I was looking at one of Ozzy's books that we have. I was just looking at him, and I listened to the tune, and I wrote the lyrics right there.”

— Zakk Wylde, Guitarist, Black Label Society

“We'd keep listening to it in the truck. And every time, [she] would say, 'Babe, put on Ozzy's song again.' She just kept referencing it as 'Ozzy's Song.'”

— Zakk Wylde, Guitarist, Black Label Society

“People like Ozzy, these iconic figures, become part of everybody's life. Ozzy was such a huge part of so many people's lives and touched them in a positive way. That's what made Ozzy so special.”

— Zakk Wylde, Guitarist, Black Label Society

What’s next

The music video for 'Ozzy's Song' is expected to be released in the coming weeks, featuring footage and photos of Ozzy Osbourne throughout his legendary career.

The takeaway

This tribute track from Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society serves as a heartfelt farewell to Ozzy Osbourne, honoring the immense impact and influence the 'Prince of Darkness' had on generations of rock fans and musicians alike.