Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for the last time this weekend in an unforgettable farewell concert held in Birmingham, his hometown. The 76-year-old Black Sabbath frontman, battling Parkinson’s disease, performed while seated on a dramatic black throne adorned with skulls and bat wings, symbolizing both his resilience and his gothic rock legacy.
The final show, part of a day-long metal festival, drew a crowd of 40,000 fans and featured performances by major acts like Metallica, Anthrax, and Guns N’ Roses. Hollywood stars Jason Momoa and Steven Tyler were among the audience, while celebrities including Elton John, Dolly Parton, and Jack Black sent in heartfelt video tributes.
A Poignant Goodbye from a Rock Legend
After two years away from the stage and decades of health struggles, Osbourne rose seated from beneath the platform, dressed in signature all-black, and greeted fans with the words:
“Let the madness begin!”
Between solo numbers, he thanked fans through tears:
“You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’re all… special.”
He was then joined by original Black Sabbath members — Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — for the first time in 20 years. Together, they closed with a powerful rendition of Paranoid, their timeless 1970 hit.
The Throne, the Struggle, and the Legacy
Osbourne’s throne was the same one he used during his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2024, now a symbol of perseverance through health battles.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, and reeling from injuries dating back to a 2003 quad bike crash, Osbourne has endured surgeries, nerve damage, and canceled tours. In 2023, he acknowledged he was no longer able to handle the demands of touring.
“I’ve come to the realization that I’m not physically capable of doing my upcoming tour dates,” he said at the time. “But I still want to perform—just without the travel.”
His wife and longtime manager Sharon Osbourne clarified:
“It’s not a death sentence. But it does affect the nerves. You get a good day, a good day… then a really bad one.”
From Birmingham to Global Icon
Formed in 1968, Black Sabbath originated in Birmingham’s industrial neighborhoods and went on to shape the global metal scene. Osbourne’s fame reached new heights in the 2000s when MTV’s The Osbournes made his family household names.
In a touching Instagram tribute, daughter Kelly Osbourne wrote:
“My dad got his moment in the sun. He was able to say thank you and goodbye in the most beautiful way.”
Final Encore
Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell was more than a concert—it was a celebration of survival, music, and connection. Though his touring days have ended, his influence on music and popular culture will forever echo through generations of metal fans.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y7l90rdexo
