Zakk Wylde Pays Emotional Tribute on 'Ozzy's Song' by Black Label Society

Listen to the album closer and read the lyrics

Mar. 27, 2026 at 11:23am

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Black Label Society's new album 'Engines of Demolition' features the emotional ballad 'Ozzy's Song', written by longtime Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde as a tribute to the Prince of Darkness. The piano-driven song alludes to Wylde's final moments with Osbourne before his passing last summer, just 17 days after his triumphant performance at the Back to the Beginning concert.

Why it matters

The song provides a poignant and personal look at Wylde's relationship with Osbourne, one of the most iconic figures in heavy metal history. It offers insight into the grief and loss felt by those closest to Osbourne following his death.

The details

Wylde wrote the music for 'Ozzy's Song' in 2022, before Osbourne's passing. After Osbourne's death, Wylde returned home and penned the lyrics while reflecting on their time together. Wylde even used 'The Grail', his 1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom that he wrote his first Ozzy song 'Miracle Man' on, to track the solo on 'Ozzy's Song'.

  • The music for 'Ozzy's Song' was written in 2022, before Osbourne's passing.
  • Osbourne passed away in the summer of 2025, just 17 days after his triumphant Back to the Beginning concert.

The players

Zakk Wylde

The leader of Black Label Society and longtime guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne.

Ozzy Osbourne

The legendary heavy metal singer, also known as the 'Prince of Darkness', who passed away in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“When all is said and done, I couldn't ask for more. Enjoy the ride, before it's gone.”

— Zakk Wylde

“But after we laid Ozzy [Osbourne] to rest and when we came back, winding down the Pantera celebration run, I came home, I just sat in the library in our house looking at a book of Ozzy, And I just sat and put the music on and wrote the lyrics right there. Obviously if Oz hadn't passed away, I'm not writing those lyrics.”

— Zakk Wylde

What’s next

The official music video for 'Ozzy's Song' by Black Label Society will debut at 11:30AM ET.

The takeaway

The emotional tribute 'Ozzy's Song' provides a deeply personal look at Zakk Wylde's relationship with the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, offering insight into the grief and loss felt by those closest to the 'Prince of Darkness' following his passing.