Recent discussions have stirred curiosity about the dynamics between Ozzy Osbourne and Ronnie James Dio, especially given Dio’s significant role in Black Sabbath following Osbourne’s departure in 1979. In a revealing interview, drummer Vinny Appice, known for his collaborations with both Dio and Black Sabbath, sheds light on the true feelings Ozzy held toward Dio. Contrary to popular belief, Appice asserts that the legendary Prince of Darkness actually “really liked” Dio, despite the initial turmoil surrounding the transition.

Insights from Vinny Appice on Ozzy and Dio’s Relationship

During a captivating episode of Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, which was shared on YouTube on July 24, 2025, Appice delves into Ozzy’s genuine sentiments regarding Dio. He states:

“Ozzy would always tell me how he loved Ronnie. Everybody, you know, created this thing that they hate each other, but Ozzy used to talk about him all the time. Then, he used to talk about my brother [Carmine], saying, “You know, I really like your brother.” He would tell me the same things the next day, too [laughs].

This perspective from Appice is particularly intriguing, especially considering how frequently the narrative has portrayed a rivalry between these two iconic rock figures [between Dio and Ozzy].

Appice elaborates further:

“Yeah, he used to sit down and tell me about Ronnie, too. He really liked Ronnie and this and that, and there are some pictures on the internet where they’re hanging out, actually. A festival, it looks like, and there’s a picture of Ronnie and Ozzy and they’re just hanging out. You know, things get blown up on the internet. You know, you don’t know the truth – really – of what’s going on.”

It’s heartening to hear these affirmations, but one can understand if Ozzy had mixed emotions about the entire situation.

As he shared with SiriusXM in 2022, as reported by Ultimate Classic Rock: “Ronnie did a good job [in Black Sabbath]. At the time, I was fucking sad because . . . they were the only thing that ever happened to me.” He also commended his former bandmates for opting for “[getting] somebody completely different” instead of choosing from the multitude of “Ozzy sound-alikes.”

Nonetheless, Ozzy admitted that he hadn’t engaged with the Dio-era of Black Sabbath’s music.

“It’s like my ex-wife . . . [when] you leave a band like that, it’s just like getting divorced,” he reflected (per Ultimate Classic Rock). “You don’t go, ‘How’s your new bloke? Is he better than me?’”

In closing, Ozzy remarked: “Looking back, [hiring Dio] was the best thing that ever happened” because “[Black Sabbath] had a good start again.”

You can check out the insightful discussion between Appice and Trunk in the clip below:

READ MORE: The Most Collected Albums By 11 Big ’80s Metal Bands (on Discogs)

Exploring the Rich Histories of Dio and Ozzy with Black Sabbath

Speaking of Dio’s impactful time with the titans of heavy metal, fans are undoubtedly aware that he made his studio debut with Black Sabbath on the highly revered 1980 album Heaven and Hell. He continued to contribute to the band’s legacy with 1981’s Mob Rules, but left the group afterward due to personal challenges, ultimately taking Appice along to establish the band Dio. Both musicians reunited for the 1992 release of Dehumanizer, but departed shortly after, eventually forming Heaven & Hell alongside Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler in 2006. Their sole studio album, The Devil You Know, launched in 2008.

In contrast, Ozzy rejoined Black Sabbath for the iconic Live Aid concert in 1985, participated in a one-off show with the band in 1992, and made a full return in 1997. The original lineup released the Reunion live album in 1998, featuring two new tracks: “Psycho Man” and “Selling My Soul.” Ozzy remained active with Black Sabbath until the group’s hiatus in 2006 and came back when they reunited in 2011. They subsequently released their final studio album, 13, in 2013, followed by their last EP, The End, in 2016.

Additionally, the iconic quartet played their final series of concerts, titled “Back to the Beginning,” on July 5, 2015, in Birmingham, England, marking an emotional closure for fans and the band alike.

Latest Updates on Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath

In the wake of the momentous “Back to the Beginning” show and the passing of Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, 2025, there has been a surge of news surrounding his legacy.

For instance, Zak Starkey, the former drummer for The Who and Oasis, recently shared his “regret” over declining Sharon Osbourne’s invitation to play on 13. Ultimately, Rage Against the Machine’s Brad Wilk took on drumming responsibilities for the album, and both Starkey and Wilk ended up collaborating on The End.

Moreover, fans can anticipate a film celebrating the “Back to the Beginning” concert, which is set to be released in 2026.

In honor of Ozzy, numerous tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians over the past few days, including heartfelt messages from Zakk Wylde, David Lee Roth, and Billy Corgan. Black Sabbath, as a collective, along with drummer Bill Ward, Iommi, and Butler, have also released individual statements. Ozzy’s final social media post has been transformed into an online fan memorial, and Loudwire even initiated a petition advocating for Chipotle to create an “Ozzy” burrito!

Additionally, Ozzy disclosed earlier this month that his second memoir, titled Last Rites, is scheduled for release on October 7 via Grand Central Publishing. Preorders are available here.