Producer Andrew Watt, a close friend and collaborator of Ozzy Osbourne, has shared details about his final conversation with the music icon, which took place just one day before Osbourne's unexpected death. In an interview, Watt described their last interaction as completely normal, making the news of Osbourne's passing on July 22 a profound shock.
Osbourne died from a heart attack, approximately two weeks after his final public performance at the Back to the Beginning event. Watt, who produced Osbourne's last two studio albums, had developed a daily communication habit with the artist over more than six years, highlighting the depth of their professional and personal relationship.
Key Takeaways
- Producer Andrew Watt spoke with Ozzy Osbourne on July 21, the day before his death, and reported that "everything was normal."
- Osbourne passed away from a heart attack on July 22, which Watt described as a "giant shock."
- The two had communicated daily for the past six and a half years while working on Osbourne's final albums.
- Watt credits Osbourne with launching his career as a serious album producer and for allowing him to play guitar on his records.
- When asked about unreleased material from their sessions, Watt declined to comment, fueling speculation about posthumous music.
A Routine Call Before an Unexpected Loss
For over six years, a daily phone call between producer Andrew Watt and rock legend Ozzy Osbourne was a constant. This routine continued up until the very end. On July 21, the two spoke as they always did, with no indication of what was to come.
"Everything was normal," Watt stated in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, reflecting on their last conversation. The following day, on July 22, the world learned of Osbourne's death. The news was particularly jarring for Watt, who had become one of Osbourne's closest confidants. "The news was just a giant shock," he added.
Osbourne's passing came just weeks after what would be his final time on stage at the Back to the Beginning concert. The cause of death was confirmed as a heart attack, bringing an abrupt end to a storied career in music.
A Partnership in Music and Friendship
Andrew Watt's collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne began ahead of the 2020 album Ordinary Man and continued with 2022's Patient Number 9. This period marked a creative resurgence for Osbourne and a career-defining moment for Watt, solidifying a bond that went far beyond the recording studio.
The Impact of a Musical Icon
Andrew Watt is now a three-time Grammy-winning producer, known for his work with a diverse range of top-tier artists, including The Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Lady Gaga, and Post Malone. However, he directly attributes the trajectory of his success to Osbourne.
"Yeah, it changed everything for me," Watt explained. He noted that before their collaboration, he was not primarily known for producing full-length albums. "He saw me as a serious album producer. Up until then, I wasn’t really making full albums."
The mentorship extended beyond production techniques. Watt shared that Osbourne not only taught him the intricacies of mixing rock music but also gave him an incredible opportunity.
"He let me play guitar on his albums," Watt said, expressing his disbelief and gratitude. "And that’s just unbelievable."
This gesture placed Watt in the company of the iconic guitarists who have played alongside Osbourne, a list that includes Tony Iommi, Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, and Zakk Wylde. It was a significant validation of his musical talent from one of the industry's most respected figures.
A Legacy of Guitar Greats
Ozzy Osbourne's career is defined not only by his unique vocal style but also by the legendary guitarists he chose to work with. Each one brought a distinct sound that helped shape the evolution of hard rock and heavy metal, from Tony Iommi's foundational riffs in Black Sabbath to Randy Rhoads' neoclassical precision.
Remembering a Friend
While the professional achievements were significant, Watt emphasized that the personal loss is what he feels most acutely. Their daily conversations were filled with humor, and it is that aspect of their friendship that he misses the most.
"We were really big for each other, both as collaborators and as friends," Watt shared. "And, fuck, man, more than anything, I miss the laughter." He fondly remembered Osbourne's unique sense of humor, calling him "the funniest person ever of all time."
Their close relationship was visible to the public. The two were photographed together at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony on October 19, 2024, an event that celebrated Osbourne's immense contribution to music history.
The Question of Unreleased Music
Given the prolific nature of their partnership on Ordinary Man and Patient Number 9, questions have naturally arisen about whether any unreleased material remains from their recording sessions. Fans are hopeful for posthumous releases that could offer a final glimpse into Osbourne's creative genius.
When asked directly if Ozzy has anything left in the vaults, Watt remained tight-lipped and protective of his late friend's legacy. His only response was a definitive, "I can’t talk about that!"
This deliberate non-answer has only intensified speculation among fans. It suggests that while the world is mourning the loss of a legend, there may still be more of his music to be heard in the future. For now, the focus remains on remembering the man and the immense musical legacy he leaves behind.