Tony Iommi, the Black Sabbath guitarist, has shared details of the final text message he received from his bandmate and close friend Ozzy Osbourne before Osbourne's death. Iommi described it as an ordinary, unremarkable exchange, saying it felt like "just another conversation" rather than any kind of farewell, which has added a poignant note to tributes following Osbourne's passing.

The revelation comes as Iommi reflects publicly on his decades-long friendship and musical partnership with Osbourne, who fronted Black Sabbath before embarking on a solo career. Iommi's comments underline how sudden and unexpected the loss felt to those closest to the singer, with no sense at the time that the message would be their last.