Zakk Wylde is the guitarist who has been a member of Ozzy Osbourne‘s band for the longest time. He first joined the group in 1987 and stayed until 1992, returning in 1995 for studio work and again in 1998 for touring. He was also part of the band from 2001 to 2009 and from 2017 to 2025. In an interview with NJ, Wylde revealed that before his death on July 22 at the age of 76, Ozzy told him he would like to make another album with him.
Their last complete album together was Black Rain (2007). Zakk appeared on the final one “Patient N. 9” (2022) but only in a few tracks.
Zakk Wylde says Ozzy Osbourne wanted to do another album with him
“Just the fact that he willed himself to do that thing (the final show). Whatever things that we’ve run into, any obstacles or whatever, it’s always just a speed bump, and we’ll get through it. So I wasn’t thinking, ‘Oh, this is the last time I’m going to see Oz.’ I just figured we’ll do the gig, and then who knows? You always stay positive on all this stuff.”
“He was texting me, ‘Zakk, let’s do another record. Because I really loved it when you were going through your Allman Brothers, Skynyrd phase when we did ‘No More Tears’. It’s heavy, but it’s more melodic. It’s not pummeling heavy.’ So I said, ‘All right, Oz. Whatever you want,'” Zakk Wylde said.
During his time with Ozzy, Zakk was part of the albums: “No Rest for the Wicked” (1988), “Just Say Ozzy” (1990 – Live), “No More Tears” (1991), “Live & Loud” (1993 – Live), “Ozzmosis” (1995), “Down to Earth” (2001), “Live at Budokan” (2002 – Live), “Black Rain” (2007) and “Patient Number 9” (2022).