Robert Trujillo, the talented bassist of Metallica and former member of Ozzy Osbourne‘s band, has expressed his deep sorrow and admiration for the iconic musician in a touching tribute. He has announced that he will be attending Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral on July 30 in Birmingham, England, a significant event for fans and the music community alike. Trujillo reflects on the profound impact Ozzy had on his life and career, recognizing him not just as a mentor but as a true friend.

Although Robert Trujillo is widely recognized today for his pivotal role in Metallica, it’s essential to remember that Ozzy Osbourne was among his earliest advocates in the music scene. The legendary Prince of Darkness not only showcased Trujillo’s unique talents in his solo projects but also provided invaluable support to Trujillo’s own band, Infectious Grooves, helping them gain traction in the industry.

In the wake of Ozzy’s passing, Robert has understandably opted for a period of reflection, choosing to maintain a low profile. Now, a week after the heartbreaking news, he has shared a heartfelt tribute detailing the significant influence that Ozzy and his extensive musical network have had on his life and career.

Robert Trujillo’s Heartfelt Reflections on Ozzy Osbourne

In a poignant social media post, Robert Trujillo shared a nostalgic photo alongside Ozzy from a tour program, confirming his journey to London in preparation for the funeral. His emotional message highlighted the deep personal and professional connections that Ozzy fostered during his life.

Here is the complete tribute he shared on Instagram:

With heavy hearts, we are making our way back to London today for Ozzy’s funeral. I just want to take a moment to express how much Ozzy meant to me…

Ozzy was a pivotal figure in forming countless new relationships for me, both in terms of creative collaborations and genuine, lasting friendships. For instance, Joe Holmes became Lullah’s godfather, and Mike Bordin took on the role of Tye’s godfather; both of these connections directly stemmed from my friendship with Ozzy. Thanks to Ozzy, Infectious Grooves was able to embark on a tour back in ’91 as a fresh band, even though at the time, we were merely a collection of fun songs we had recorded. We weren’t fully prepared to hit the road, but he encouraged us to step up and make it happen.

He had an undeniable passion for our song “Therapy,” on which he made a guest appearance, and that really launched Infectious Grooves into the spotlight during the 90s. He even insisted that we open for him on the “Theater of Madness” tour, enthusiastically declaring, “I’m your best friend Rob, I absolutely love the bass, and the funkier and heavier, the better!”

He was truly the gateway to so many opportunities.

Ozzy was an incredibly humble individual, and his honesty could sometimes be painful, yet his fantastic sense of humor made every moment extraordinary. Touring with Ozzy and Zakk Wylde was always an exhilarating adventure. The chemistry between those two was nothing short of a thrilling rollercoaster ride.

We are all immensely grateful for his heart and soul.

Both Ozzy and Black Sabbath have been the soundtrack of our lives, and the inspiration they provided is simply beyond verbal expression. In my opinion, they were the first true alternative rock band.

Now, we must come together to pay our respects, share our love, and extend our support to Sharon Osbourne and the entire family. It’s a heartbreaking time, but we take solace in knowing that Ozzy gave us everything he had during his final days.

I feel incredibly honored that my bandmates Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and I (from Metallica) had the chance to celebrate alongside him, sharing our music and the music of Sabbath on such a momentous day in Birmingham. Being part of that experience meant the world to us.

Ozzy, may you rest in peace, brother.
We love you. @ozzyosbourne

Celebrating the Final Concert of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath

On July 5, the legendary Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath headlined a monumental event titled the Back to the Beginning concert, held at the Aston Villa venue in Birmingham, England. This all-day event featured an impressive lineup of iconic acts, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Slayer, and Pantera, all coming together to pay tribute to Ozzy and his enduring legacy as the band prepared for their final live performance.

After reconciling with drummer Bill Ward, Black Sabbath received the farewell send-off they truly deserved, with all four original members present, a moment that was denied during their farewell tour due to Ward’s absence over a contract dispute.

During the concert, Trujillo joined Metallica for a performance that included powerful renditions of their tributes to Black Sabbath, specifically the tracks “Hole in the Sky” and “Johnny Blade.”

READ MORE: Ozzy Solo Band Members Deliver Moving Tributes Filled With Gratitude

The grand finale featured a five-song solo set from Ozzy, showcasing classics such as “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Suicide Solution,” “Mama I’m Coming Home,” and the iconic “Crazy Train.”

Following this, Ozzy was joined onstage by his fellow Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, creating an unforgettable moment for all present.

READ MORE: How to Livestream Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Process From Birmingham

In their final performance, Ozzy and his bandmates delivered a powerful four-song set, featuring timeless classics like “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.”

Tragically, Ozzy Osbourne passed away just 17 days following this unforgettable concert with Black Sabbath. The rock and metal community, along with countless fans, have continued to honor his legacy with tributes. John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne was 76 years old when he left us.