In a recent interview, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler shed light on the difficult decision to part ways with iconic frontman Ozzy Osbourne in 1979. The move, which Butler described as "heartbreaking," marked the end of an era for the legendary metal band.
Speaking on the Bob Lefsetz podcast, Butler revealed the emotional toll of firing Osbourne, likening it to "cutting your arm off." The band members had grown up together, facing numerous challenges and achieving remarkable success as a unit.
Despite the pain involved, Butler maintains that the decision was necessary. He cited Osbourne's escalating substance abuse issues as a major concern, noting that while all band members indulged in drugs and alcohol, Ozzy's habits had begun to impair his ability to function professionally.
The catalyst for Osbourne's dismissal came during a writing session in Bel Air. According to Butler, Ozzy showed little interest in the new material the band was developing. It was at this point that guitarist Tony Iommi suggested replacing Osbourne with Ronnie James Dio, whom he had recently met at a party.
When the band broke the news to Osbourne, Butler recalls the singer's shock and disbelief. The bassist acknowledges the difficult position this put Ozzy in, suddenly finding himself alone while the rest of the band remained together.
In retrospect, Butler expresses admiration for Osbourne's resilience and subsequent success. With the support of his future wife, Sharon, Ozzy launched a solo career that rivaled, and in some ways surpassed, the achievements of Black Sabbath.
The story of Ozzy's firing serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics within successful bands and the sometimes painful decisions required to keep a group moving forward. It also highlights the unpredictable nature of the music industry, where setbacks can often lead to unexpected triumphs.