More than 50 years after its formation, Black Sabbath’s founding lineup reunited to say goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne.
The renowned musician gave his final performance Saturday in front of 40,000 fans at England’s Villa Park. The 10-hour event, titled Back to the Beginning, was a tribute to heavy metal, held just miles from where Osbourne and his bandmates grew up in Birmingham, and included a spectacular roster of rock n’ roll greats.
Early in the show, Osbourne appeared from beneath the stage, seated on a winged throne. “Let the madness begin,” he told the Associated Press.
Later, he paid respect to the thousands present: “I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years,” he said. “You have no idea how I feel; thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’re all unique. Let us go crazy, come on.”
Osbourne, who had walked away from live performances after his ability to stand and walk was hampered by health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and emphysema, performed solo for the first time in nearly seven years. The musician then introduced the founding members of his 1970s heavy metal band: guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Terence Butler (aka Geezer), and drummer Bill Ward. They began with “War Pigs,” then sang “NIB,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.” The four-song set marks their first performance together since 2005.
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Before Black Sabbath’s fourth song, Osbourne informed the audience, “Unfortunately, we’ve come to our final song—ever.”
After a pause, he expressed his appreciation again, saying, “On behalf of the guys in Black Sabbath and myself, your support over the years has made it all possible for us to live the lifestyle that we do.” Thank you from the heart. I love you. “We love you.”
The Black Sabbath set was preceded by a full day of metal and hard-rock icons who performed brief sets that included at least one Sabbath or Osbourne cover. Metallica, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon performed at the event, which was hosted by Aquaman star Jason Momoa.
After Black Sabbath ended the festivities, Osbourne was presented with a cake as fireworks erupted over Villa Park.
Black Sabbath, formed in 1968, is one of the most revered heavy metal bands of all time, having sold over 75 million albums, won three Grammys, and received several other honors, including entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. (Osbourne was inducted as a solo artist last year.)
Osbourne announced the farewell concert earlier this year, after previously discussing his health difficulties and intention to take away from performing. The musician has been recovering from spinal surgery in recent years and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019. Before the gig, Osbourne told The Guardian that, unlike previous performances, he did not anticipate to be active onstage.
“I don’t think I’ll be doing much jumping or running around this time,” he told me. “I may be seated, but the point is that I will be there and give my best. “So all I can do is show up.”
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Osbourne has stated that Back to the Beginning is truly his final live performance. “I’d love to say ‘never say never’, but after the last six years or so, it is time,” declared him. “I’ve been on the road for about 50 years, and I’ve grown accustomed to not picking up my belongings and going back on the bus. I no longer consume dope or live the rockstar lifestyle. I’m bit of a homebody. I never go out. I never hang out in bars since I don’t drink. “So what the f— is out there for me?”
He continued, “It’s time for me to spend some time with my grandchildren; I don’t want to die in a hotel room somewhere. I hope to spend the rest of my life with my family.”
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