Metallica’s Robert Trujillo Shares New Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne

Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo celebrated Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath as “the soundtrack to our lives” in a new tribute to the late metal great. 

“Ozzy was a humble man and sometimes so honest it hurt but his sense of humor made everything absolutely amazing,” Trujillo wrote on Instagram, adding: “We’re all so thankful for his heart and soul. Ozzy and Black Sabbath were and still are the soundtrack to our lives. The inspiration they gave us is beyond words. The first real alternative rock band, in my opinion.”

Trujillo spent several years playing in Osbourne’s band, starting in the late Nineties, though their relationship dates back to the beginning of the decade. As Trujillo noted in his post, it was Osbourne who encouraged Infectious Grooves — the supergroup Trujillo started with his Suicidal Tendencies bandmate Mike Muir and others — to tour just as they were starting out.

“[I]t wasn’t even really a band, just some fun songs we had recorded,” Trujillo said. “We weren’t ready to hit the road, but he made us step up and make it happen.”

Osbourne also “loved” Infectious Grooves’ song “Therapy,” Trujillo wrote, and later contributed vocals to the version recorded for the band’s 1991 debut album. “[T]hat really kicked it all off for Infectious in the ’90s,” Trujillo said. “He actually demanded we open for him on the ‘Theater of Madness’ tour. He’d say,’ ‘I’m your best friend Rob, I fucking love the bass and the funkier and heavier the better!’”

Trujillo called Osbourne “the gateway,” as well as “the conduit for so many new relationships both creative collaborations and real, lasting friendships.” Those included his friendships with fellow Osbourne bandmembers Joe Holmes and Mike Bordin, who later became the godfathers to Trujillo’s two children. 

As for the time he spent playing with Osbourne, Trujillo wrote, “Touring with Ozzy and Zakk [Wylde] was always a wild adventure. Those two together… it was a crazy, awesome rollercoaster.” 

Trujillo ended his note by saying, “Now it’s time to pay our respects, share our love, and offer our support to Sharon and the family. It’s heartbreaking but we know Ozzy gave us everything he had in his final days.” 

He also reflected on Metallica’s appearance at Osbourne’s farewell concert earlier this month, saying, I’m so honored that Lars, James, Kirk, and I (Metallica) got to celebrate with him, to share our music and Sabbath’s music on such a special day in Birmingham. Being part of that meant so much to us.”

Trujillo’s tribute to Osbourne follows a statement previously issued by all of Metallica after Osbourne’s death last week. The group called Osbourne a “hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend,” adding, “Ozzy and Sharon believed in us and transformed our lives and careers.  He taught us how to play in the big leagues while at the same time being warm, welcoming, engaging, and all around brilliant.”