'RIP Brother': METALLICA’s Rob Trujillo Shares Heartbreaking Tribute Ahead of Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral

Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo has posted a personal message as he prepares to attend Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral. The service will be held on July 30 in Birmingham, England.

In a tribute shared on Instagram (see below), Trujillo remembered Ozzy as more than just a music legend. For him, Ozzy was a mentor, a connector, and someone who helped shape the course of his life and career.

Their musical history

Before joining Metallica, Trujillo played in Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band. Ozzy also gave a boost to Trujillo’s other group, Infectious Grooves, early in their career.

“He was the gateway,” Trujillo wrote in the post. “Because of Oz, Infectious Grooves was able to tour back in ’91. We weren’t ready, but he pushed us to do it.”

Trujillo also shared personal details about the friendships that came from those years. Joe Holmes, who played guitar in Ozzy’s band, is the godfather of Trujillo’s daughter. Mike Bordin, Ozzy’s longtime drummer, is the godfather of Trujillo’s son.

“Ozzy was the conduit for so many new relationships,” he said.

Credit: Reproduction / Instagram

Fond memories on the road

In the post, Trujillo recalled Ozzy’s sense of humor and his unpredictable energy on tour.

“Touring with Ozzy and Zakk [Wylde] was always a wild adventure,” he wrote. “Those two together… it was a crazy, awesome rollercoaster.”

He also praised Ozzy’s honesty and humility, saying he was “so honest it hurt” but always managed to lift the mood with his humor.

Trujillo described Ozzy’s influence as deep and long-lasting, calling Black Sabbath “the soundtrack to our lives” and “the first real alternative rock band” in his view.

Credit: Reproduction / YT

Credit: Reproduction / YT

Credit: Reproduction / YT

Metallica’s last moment with Ozzy

Trujillo also spoke about Metallica’s recent chance to perform with Ozzy in his hometown of Birmingham. On July 5, they took part in the Back to the Beginning concert, a major event featuring a final appearance by Ozzy and the original Black Sabbath lineup.

“Lars, James, Kirk, and I were honored to celebrate with him,” Trujillo wrote. “Being part of that meant so much to us.”

During the show, Metallica played two Black Sabbath songs, “Hole in the Sky” and “Johnny Blade.” Ozzy later performed solo, then reunited with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for a four-song set.

Ozzy’s final performance

Ozzy’s last concert appearance happened just 17 days before his death. He performed a solo set that included “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” before joining his Black Sabbath bandmates on stage for classics like “War Pigs” and “Iron Man.”

It was the first time all four original members had played together in years, following Bill Ward’s absence from the band’s farewell tour due to a contract dispute.

The July 5 show marked the official end of Black Sabbath’s live performances. It was a fitting farewell for a band that changed the sound of rock music.

Saying goodbye

Rob Trujillo’s message ended with words of gratitude and love:

“Ozzy, RIP brother. We love you.” – @robtrujillo

Osbourne was 76 when he died. His funeral will take place in Birmingham, with many musicians, friends, and fans paying their final respects.

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