“It’s truly a privilege to reflect on his remarkable legacy, yet it brings such profound sorrow. I can hardly grasp the reality of it.”

Just three days following the devastating news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, Billy Corgan appeared on Loudwire Nights (July 25) to navigate his feelings of grief while celebrating Ozzy’s extraordinary life and contributions to music. You can listen to the complete discussion and view the interview in the media players located at the conclusion of this article.

“I continue to regard them as my band,” Corgan expressed to host Chuck Armstrong regarding Black Sabbath.

“I know countless fans feel similarly. Even when I witnessed them perform [at Back to the Beginning], there’s this timeless essence… They remain ageless. Listening to Sabbath, rather than feeling the sadness I anticipated, I found solace in their music even after Ozzy’s death. It’s remarkable how they manage to provide that comfort.”

As Corgan shared his thoughts, he recounted how he conveyed the significance of Sabbath to his friends leading up to the event Back to the Beginning.

“The term I used frequently as the event approached was that there’s an undeniable warmth in Sabbath’s music,” he revealed.

“There’s a kind of embracing love that’s hard to articulate, yet they stand out as one of the few hard rock bands that possess that warmth. Amidst the power, majesty, and thunderous metal, their music feels inviting, almost celestial. It’s as if they embody something inexplicable.”

Unforgettable Memories of Ozzy: A Cherished Moment for Billy Corgan

Corgan took the stage at the Back to the Beginning event on July 5 in Birmingham, England. He was part of a supergroup that day, performing Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” and Black Sabbath’s “Snowblind” alongside renowned musicians such as Tom Morello, K.K. Downing, Rudy Sarzo, Danny Carey, Adam Jones, and Adam Wakeman.

While it was an incredibly emotional experience for Corgan, he noted that the memory he will always treasure occurred the day prior.

“I had the opportunity to watch them during soundcheck, and it was just me and another alternative musician whose identity I haven’t disclosed out of respect for their privacy,” Corgan reminisced.

“Just the two of us were present in an empty stadium, witnessing Sabbath’s final soundcheck. We both began to weep, overwhelmed by the realization of what we were witnessing. Do we understand the significance of this moment? This marks the end of an era for our band. It feels so personal.”

Corgan recounted how Ozzy performed one song during the soundcheck before exiting the stage, allowing Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward to continue playing for an additional 45 minutes.

“We were truly granted this incredible opportunity to witness such a moment,” Corgan stated.

During Ozzy’s time on stage, Corgan shared a special moment that will remain etched in his memory forever.

“As he sat there in the chair, he flashed us the classic Ozzy peace sign, directed just at me and my companion. We reciprocated the gesture. That’s a memory I will cherish like a piece of gold for the rest of my life.”

On the day of Back to the Beginning, Corgan did not engage in a conversation with Ozzy. With so many fellow artists and friends around, he recognized that everyone wanted to share their moments with Ozzy — and he and Sharon Osbourne had previously discussed the possibility of having Ozzy on Corgan’s podcast during their time back in Los Angeles.

“I thought it would be better to just talk to him when the time was right, considering he had so many others to connect with,” Corgan reflected.

“In that brief encounter, it felt like, at least I had that singular moment where he acknowledged my presence. That meant everything, didn’t it?”

Envisioning a Bright Future: Billy Corgan’s Aspirations Following Back to the Beginning

As Corgan pondered Ozzy’s life and legacy, mourning his loss, he proposed a compelling idea that he hopes both fans and artists will embrace moving forward.

“What I’m suggesting is that Ozzy’s name doesn’t need to be preserved for history; rather, let’s keep alive the spirit of [Back to the Beginning],” he articulated.

“The greatest artists from around the world, excluding myself from that equation, united to honor one band and one artist in their final moment. All for a charitable cause. There was no contention regarding their positions on the lineup. This level of love for a band and a singer is incredibly rare. Let’s harness that energy and propel it forward.”

For Corgan, a method to carry this legacy forward is to recreate the sense of unity and power witnessed in Back to the Beginning.

“Once a year, we could organize a gathering akin to a pilgrimage where we all come together,” Corgan proposed.

“Whether it happens next year or in two years, I’m willing to simply be part of the audience. The goal is to continue this tradition because we are deeply appreciative of what that band has given us. It’s an intense, passionate feeling. I’m publicly calling for this initiative. Let’s aim to do this annually. Let Sharon take on a leadership role, but let’s commit to doing something altruistic once each year to honor Ozzy’s spirit, as that is his true legacy.”

Reflecting on Life’s Journey: ‘This Isn’t How the Movie Is Supposed to End’

Corgan’s admiration and respect for Ozzy were evident throughout the conversation. One crucial aspect he emphasized was how some segments of the world have opted to remember Ozzy — focusing on his controversies, the antics portrayed on The Osbournes, and other sensational moments.

However, he wishes fans won’t allow themselves to be sidetracked by those narratives.

“As devoted fans, we truly understand,” he remarked.

“The infamous bat-biting incident is not the essence of his legacy, and fans should actively challenge that perception. That’s not the core of the story. It’s documented on Wikipedia, but that’s not why we were drawn to his music. We listened because he represents us. He took us along on this exhilarating journey.”

READ MORE: Kelly Osbourne Speaks Out For First Time After Ozzy’s Passing

Regrettably, on some level, that journey has reached a conclusion with Ozzy’s departure. Corgan expressed that he was caught off guard by how soon this occurred.

“I wouldn’t have been surprised if, three months from now, he released a new single with Andrew Watt or someone else,” he confessed.

“He wasn’t going to simply fade away and accept that it was time to leave. We all seem to feel that this isn’t how the movie should conclude — yet, this is indeed how it ends. At least, this is the conclusion of a chapter.”

Experience the Full Interview with Billy Corgan Below

Catch the Complete Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Billy Corgan joined Loudwire Nights on Friday, July 25; the show replays online here, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7PM ET or on the Loudwire app. Additionally, check if the show is available on your local radio station and enjoy interviews on-demand.