“We’re celebrating the fact that we survived this! What remains is the true essence of what this music is about”: Ozzy Osbourne's '80s bandmate says it was "a blessing" to work with the singer

Rudy Sarzo.

Bassist Rudy Sarzo was a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s backing band in the early ’80s — and says he was always treated with “kindness” and “generosity” by the so-called Prince of Darkness.

Sarzo will be one of many special guests at Ozzy and Black Sabbath’s farewell show at Birmingham’s Villa Park on 5 July.