“We’re heartbroken to hear about the passing of our brother in rock, Ozzy Osbourne. A voice that changed music forever. From Black Sabbath to his solo work, Ozzy redefined what it meant to be heavy. He did it all with heart, grit, and that wild spirit only he could bring.”

Ozzy Osbourne returned to the “home of metal” for the last time on Wednesday as an emotional Birmingham honored one of its most cherished sons. Thousands of Black Sabbath fans paid their respects to the band's frontman as his hearse made its way through the city center followed by his tearful wife and children.

Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath didn't just lose a bandmate with the death of Ozzy Osbourne - he also lost a friend. In a heartfelt tribute published by The Times on Sunday (July 27) - five days after Osbourne passed away at the age of 76 - the bassist reflected on the first and last times he ever saw the late frontman.