‘I miss you, dear friend’: Black Sabbath pay emotional tributes to Ozzy

Black Sabbath's surviving founding members have shared emotional tributes to Ozzy Osbourne on the first anniversary of his death, remembering their mate and the legacy he left behind.

I know I’m not alone in saying it still doesn't quite feel real. A year has passed since the Prince of Darkness died at 76, only weeks after Black Sabbath reunited for one final performance at the Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham, England.

As fans gathered for what's officially being recognised as Ozzy Day, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward all took a moment to remember the frontman they spent decades alongside.

Tony Iommi admitted he's still struggling to accept Ozzy's gone, saying he often watches old clips online because "it feels like he's still here with us."

"We always stayed in touch, almost every week or so and we'd usually talk about our ailments and then about what we'd been doing that particular week," Iommi wrote.

"The fans have been absolutely brilliant and the love and respect that they have shown for him has just been amazing. I'm so glad that we were able to play one final show with the original line up of Sabbath at the Back To The Beginning show in our home town of Birmingham! There will never be another Ozzy. I miss you my dear friend."

Geezer Butler also reflected on that farewell concert, posting: "One year ago today- hard to believe. I am so glad we were able to do the final show, back in our hometown, just a couple of weeks before Ozzy left us. Gone in body, but his legend lives on. Such incredible memories. Ozzy forever!"

Bill Ward kept things simple but heartfelt, sharing a message that read: "Every day, there is a persistent silence. We miss you so much. Respectfully, with love to the Osbourne family."

The Back to the Beginning show saw all four original members perform together for the first time in 20 years, ripping through "War Pigs", "N.I.B.", "Iron Man" and "Paranoid" before signing off for the final time. 

Beautiful tributes from Ozzy’s mates.