Geezer Butler, the founding bassist of Black Sabbath, revealed how the band’s final concert came together weeks before Ozzy Osbourne ‘s death. In a tribute written for the Times of London, Butler said he was initially taken aback by Osbourne’s appearance when the band came in for rehearsals.

Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has died at 76, with tributes pouring in from Elton John, Black Sabbath bandmates and other celebrities following his final reunion performance in early July.

The bill was rounded out by the likes of Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer and Gojira, all of whom played short sets consisting of their own material and one or two Sabbath or Osbourne covers. Famed actor Jason Momoa compered and Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello was the musical director.

Black Sabbath are widely regarded as the inventors, or at least leading pioneers of, heavy metal music. The Birmingham band – whose original and final line-up comprised bassist Geezer Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi,

Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne performed his final show July 5 with original band members before his death at 76, closing a chapter in heavy metal history.

Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler got the idea for their name from a 60s horror film.

Bassist Terence “Geezer” Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi, lead singer Ozzy Osbourne, and drummer Bill Ward were all between the ages of 18 and 20 when they began playing together in Birmingham. Naming themselves after an Italian horror film in early 1969,