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Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne was overcome with emotion as he performed his final-ever gig on Saturday night, marking the end of an era in heavy metal history.
The 76-year-old Black Sabbath frontman took to the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham for the aptly titled Back to the Beginning show, a full-circle moment for the band born in the city over five decades ago.
Fans from around the world gathered for the all-day event, which featured powerhouse sets from Metallica, Slayer, and Alice in Chains, but all eyes were on Ozzy as he made his entrance to a deafening roar.
Seated on a leather throne topped with a bat emblem, Ozzy cut an iconic figure in his trademark black clothes, eyeliner, and painted nails. Beach balls emblazoned with his name bounced through the crowd as he kicked off his short solo set with the immortal words:
“Are you ready? Let the madness begin!”
Throughout his performance, the star alternated between wide-eyed showmanship and heartfelt thanks, telling the audience after Suicide Solution:
“You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The bittersweet evening marked the first time Black Sabbath’s original lineup, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Ozzy, had played together in 20 years, but also served as Ozzy’s final farewell.
After an emotional rendition of Crazy Train, the stage was bathed in red light and an air raid siren announced Sabbath’s arrival. Together, they tore through classics like War Pigs, N.I.B., and Iron Man, closing with an explosive Paranoid.
Before leaving the stage, Ozzy gave one last salute to the crowd:
“Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle… thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Famous faces spotted in the audience included Brian May, Steven Tyler, Ronnie Wood, and Ozzy’s daughter Kelly Osbourne, who shared behind-the-scenes snaps on Instagram. Comedian Joe Lycett, also in attendance, admitted: “I cried through the entire set. I’m so proud to be Brummie tonight.”
Fans online echoed the sentiment, with one writing: “Black Sabbath blows everyone away. It’s magical. Long live heavy metal.”
The show came despite Ozzy’s well-documented health battles in recent years, including Parkinson’s disease, mobility issues, and multiple surgeries. Speaking before the gig, he credited wife Sharon Osbourne for convincing him to reunite with his bandmates and giving him a reason to fight back.
“It’s tough, I’ve been laid up for such a long time. But I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. All I can do is turn up.”
And turn up he did, cementing his place as one of the greatest rock icons of all time.
