LONDON (AP) — Hard-rock royalty and around 40,000 fans gathered for an ear-splitting tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at what the heavy metal icon has declared as his last-ever live performance. The unforgettable event took place on Saturday at Villa Park soccer stadium in Birmingham, central England, where the original lineup of Osbourne's legendary band, Black Sabbath, took the stage.
The 76-year-old Ozzy Osbourne, who has been living with Parkinson's disease, made a striking entrance by singing from a black throne that dramatically rose from beneath the stage. "Let the madness begin!" he exclaimed as he took the spotlight, expressing his deep appreciation to the fans in attendance. "I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “You’re all… special. Let’s go crazy, come on."
In a nostalgic return to the stage, Osbourne performed several songs solo before being joined for the first time in 20 years by his Black Sabbath bandmates: Tony Iommi, Terence "Geezer" Butler, and Bill Ward. The set culminated in a powerful rendition of "Paranoid," one of the band's most iconic tracks, which resonated deeply with both long-time and new fans alike.
This monumental performance was part of a day-long metal festival featuring a lineup that included notable bands such as Anthrax, Metallica, and Guns N' Roses. Among the illustrious artists who sent their well-wishes and tributes were Jack Black, Dolly Parton, and Elton John. John praised Osbourne, declaring, "You are one of the most remarkable singers of our time. You are the king, you are the legend."
Ozzy Osbourne co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968 in Birmingham, a city that was then known for its heavy industry but became the heart of the British metal scene. The band’s devilish imagery and thunderous sound catapulted them to the forefront of the genre, making them one of the most influential and, at times, feared acts among parents. Both Black Sabbath and Osbourne as a solo artist have been honored with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Osbourne's popularity soared to mainstream heights in the early 2000s when he appeared with his wife, Sharon Osbourne, and two of their children on the MTV reality show "The Osbournes." Despite his vast success, Osbourne has faced a myriad of health challenges since a near-fatal quad bike accident in 2003. He publicly disclosed his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2020, and in 2023, he paused touring following spinal surgery, marking a significant pause in his illustrious career.
Overall, the event not only celebrated the musical legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath but also served as a reminder of Osbourne's resilience and enduring connection with his fans, further solidifying his status as a titan in the world of heavy metal.
