The Great Ozz
Gibson Guitars Remembers Ozzy Osbourne: ‘His Legacy Will Echo for Generations’
The heavy metal legend had a particular affinity for the iconic Gibson SG, which he often played himself
Alexis Mikulski Ruiz
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July 23, 2025
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Ozzy Osbourne (left) and Randy Rhoads during the 'Blizzard of Ozz Tour' Getty Images
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Ozzy Osbourne was widely credited as one of the founding fathers of heavy metal, and while the beloved performer was best known as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, he also occasionally played the guitar.
Osbourne died on July 22, and tributes quickly poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and colleagues following the news of his death. Among these tributes was a note from Gibson Guitars, a brand favored by Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Osbourne’s solo guitarist Randy Rhoads, and allegedly Ozzy himself, who was fond of the iconic Gibson SG.
“In both his pioneering work with Black Sabbath and on his remarkable early solo albums, Ozzy helped create a vocabulary and playbook for hard rock and heavy metal that has influenced countless artists and birthed entire genres of music,” Gibson said in a statement on its website.
OZZY OSBOURNE INSPIRED
Black Gibson SG Electric Guitar
$1,599.00
Though best known for his gothic vocals, Osbourne occasionally dabbled with instruments, famously playing the harmonica, synthesizer, and a black Gibson SG guitar (though he never played the guitar on stage). Still, he was known to always have a guitar on hand and earlier this year, one of his personally-signed SG models was auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting the Acorn Children’s Hospice in the United Kingdom (the guitar was also signed by other performers from the singer’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, including Billy Idol).
A similar Black Gibson SG Electric Guitar is currently available to view and purchase at Guitar Center, with the same glossy finish, and according to the brand, a similar “rosy fingerboard and nickel-hardware” as Osbourne’s axe.
While Osbourne casually picked up a guitar here and there, he was quick to hail Iommi as the “best f-cking guitarist I’ve ever played with,” per an interview clip that was posted to YouTube last year. Iommi was among the bandmates who paid tribute to Osbourne, releasing a statement that read, “I can’t really find the words; there won’t ever be another like him. Rest in peace, Oz.”
Want to discover more about the guitars that the rock legends use? Guitar Center has a handful of Osbourne and Black Sabbath-related guitars available right now, whether you want to browse some of their favored instruments or pick up one for yourself as a memento or piece of memorabilia. After all, there’s no better way to honor Osbourne’s storied legacy and to celebrate his life and heavy metal-tinged tone than through the music.
Here’s a look at some of the guitars you can find online.
great condition
Gibson Tony Iommi Custom SG Guitar (Used)
$14,499.99 $14,999.99 3% off
In 2020, Gibson released a replica version of Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi’s “Monkey 1964 SG,” which Rolling Stone covered here. The release sold out quickly, but you can still buy the instrument pre-owned online. We found this one that is listed as “Great Condition.”
Good condition
Gibson Tony Iommi Custom SG Guitar (Used)
$1,999.99
We also spotted this model that is for sale on Guitar Center’s website in “Good Condition.”
good condition
Vintage 1970s Gibson (1974 – 1979) Custom Les Paul
$3,899.99
Randy Rhoads, co-founder of the metal band Quiet Riot and guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band, was often seen on stage shredding with a custom 1974 Gibson Les Paul, similar to the one available for purchase here.
Osbourne died on July 22, just weeks after performing at Black Sabbath’s farewell show. He was 76.
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