Geezer Butler recently opened up about a significant rift in his personal relationships. He addressed the matter in a statement shared on Gabbing With Girlfriends. The Black Sabbath bassist discussed how a conflict between his wife, Gloria Butler, and Sharon Osbourne affected his friendship with Ozzy Osbourne.
Butler explained the impact the dispute had on his connection with his longtime bandmate. The tension between the two women created a prolonged separation from Ozzy. According to Butler, this estrangement lasted years.
“Because you and Sharon had fallen out, I didn’t see Ozzy at all for about six years after the last gig,” Butler said to his wife during the podcast. “Then you and Sharon were talking and everything was okay again, and it was great to finally get to talk to Ozzy again.”
The bassist emphasized how meaningful it was to reconnect with Osbourne after the years of separation. Butler highlighted the depth of their friendship and their regular communication.
“We used to text each other every day. He used to send me some funny things and I’d send him some funny things,” Butler continued. “It was just great to be back together again after all these years. I mean, he’s probably my oldest friend. I’ve known him for 57 years, so it was great to get back together again.”
The estrangement between Butler and Osbourne was particularly poignant given the extraordinary history they shared. Geezer Butler and Ozzy Osbourne’s 57-year friendship began when Osbourne arrived barefoot at Butler’s doorstep, according to AOL. This encounter led directly to the formation of Black Sabbath. The two became “inseparable brothers in arms,” sharing the best and worst moments of their lives through decades of music and personal struggles.
Despite Ozzy’s well-documented wildman reputation, Butler has consistently portrayed a different side of his longtime friend. Sonic Perspectives reported that Butler described Ozzy as the “Prince of Laughter” with a “heart of pure gold.” He emphasized that the antics people associated with Osbourne largely occurred after the Sabbath years. Butler stressed that Ozzy was always there for his friends when it mattered most.
The six-year estrangement created by the conflict between Sharon and Gloria Butler represented a rare break in their lifelong bond. However, when Sharon and Gloria eventually reconciled, it paved the way for Butler and Ozzy to reconnect. Blabbermouth revealed that the two friends resumed their daily texting exchanges. This reconciliation proved to be a blessing, as it allowed Butler and Ozzy to restore their bond before Ozzy’s final performances with Black Sabbath in 2024. The reunion marked a bittersweet end to their legendary career and friendship.
