The world of rock and metal has always thrived on the powerful connections between its greatest icons. Among those, few friendships carried as much weight and influence as that of Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead and Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath. Both men helped define heavy metal, gothic aesthetics, and the unapologetic spirit of rock music.
While Black Sabbath laid the groundwork in the early 1970s with their dark riffs and theatrical presence, Motörhead expanded the boundaries by combining punk energy with heavy metal ferocity. Together, Lemmy and Ozzy formed a creative and personal bond that lasted decades.
Collaborations That Defined an Era
Their partnership produced some of Ozzy’s most enduring hits. In 1991, Osbourne invited Lemmy to co-write several tracks for his album No More Tears, including “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” “I Don’t Want to Change the World,” “Desire,” and “Hellraiser.” Lemmy’s sharp lyrical style brought depth and grit, helping to cement the record as one of Ozzy’s best-selling works.
In return, Osbourne appeared on Motörhead’s 1992 album March ör Die for the duet “I Ain’t No Nice Guy,” a heartfelt track that showcased the softer side of two of rock’s hardest icons.
Ozzy’s Admiration for Lemmy
Ozzy Osbourne has never hidden his admiration for Lemmy. In interviews, he has referred to him as his “rock god”, praising his intelligence, wit, and brutal honesty. Unlike many, Lemmy never sugarcoated his opinions. If he loved an album, he said so. If he thought it was “f***ing shit,” he said that too.
Ozzy once recalled how quickly Lemmy could write lyrics: “I’d give him some notes, maybe a book for inspiration, and expect it back in a week. But within hours, he’d already finished multiple sets of lyrics. He was brilliant, fast, and unbelievably sharp.”
Lemmy’s Final Words
Sadly, Lemmy Kilmister passed away in December 2015 at the age of 70, just two days after being diagnosed with cancer. His final encounter with Ozzy Osbourne was both heartbreaking and deeply profound.
Ozzy described seeing Lemmy on tour in South America, frail and weakened by illness. Yet, even in his final days, Lemmy remained true to his philosophy of life.
His last words to Ozzy reflected a man without regrets:
“I’m probably going to die, I suppose. Never thought I’d make 70, so I did good. I could have lived a lot longer and taken care of myself, but I lived my life the way I wanted to live, and I ain’t got no regrets.”
A Legacy Without Regrets
Lemmy’s passing marked the end of an era, but his words and music continue to inspire generations of rock fans. His friendship with Ozzy was not only about music but about respect, honesty, and a shared belief in living authentically.
In a world where many musicians carefully guard their public image, Lemmy’s blunt honesty made him unique. For Ozzy, losing Lemmy was losing more than a collaborator – it was losing a brother in rock.
Conclusion
The story of Lemmy Kilmister’s final words to Ozzy Osbourne is not just about death; it is about a life fully lived. With no regrets, Lemmy left behind a legacy of raw power, groundbreaking music, and unforgettable honesty. His influence on heavy metal, punk, and rock ‘n’ roll remains unmatched.
As Ozzy himself put it, “I think about Lemmy all the time.” And so does the rock world.
