Ozzy Osbourne's Drug, Alcohol Addiction Was 'Worst' Among Black Sabbath Members, Says Geezer Butler

Ozzy Osbourne's success as a solo artist surprised Geezer Butler, and it soon inspired Black Sabbath to "do something" in their career.

Black Sabbath fans have long believed Osbourne's solo career was more successful than the band's. When they started in 1968, Osbourne served as the band's lead vocalist and promoted alongside Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward.

After he was ousted from the group, Osbourne embarked on his solo career and became more successful than the rest of his bandmates while also struggling the most due to addiction.

Ozzy Osbourne Suffered the Worst Addiction

Speaking with QFM96's "Torg & Elliott" radio show, Butler answered the query about Osbourne's successful solo career after he was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979. According to the bassist, he was surprised by his bandmate's popularity especially since he had the worst addiction among them.

Per Butler, Black Sabbath members suffered differently because of drugs and alcohol, but it was Osbourne who recovered from it immediately despite having the worst case.

"'Cause we were no good to him, 'cause we were just in the same state as he was in, so we couldn't help him," said Butler. "Once he got hooked up with Sharon [Ozzy's now-wife and manager], she got him together, and the rest is history."

His comment resonated with what Iommi told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" in 2001. At that time, the Black Sabbath guitarist recalled how Osbourne's solo success left a positive impact on everyone, saying that it made them realize that they needed to do something as a band, as well.

Iommi witnessed Osbourne's struggles and how his wife made him roll again as a soloist with his supporting band.

While the Prince of Darkness enjoyed the solo spotlight, Black Sabbath also moved on with Ronnie James Dio - who replaced Osbourne in the band. He went on to record "Heaven and Hell" and "Mob Rules" to launch his own band, DIO.

Ozzy Osbourne Once Said Black Sabbath's 1^st Album Without Him Was "Worst"

Before Dio was welcomed on board, Black Sabbath created its then-last album - which was a follow-up to "Never Say Die!" - with Osbourne, which the vocalist called the group's worst.

The singer said he was not happy with how things ended, especially since Black Sabbath finally enjoyed the fame. He notably recorded eight albums with the group before he was ousted and started his solo career.

Tags

Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath