Ozzy Osbourne Bids Emotional Farewell to Live Performances in Sold-Out Hometown Show for 40,000 Fans

LONDON (AP) — Hard-rock fans united for an unforgettable tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, marking what he calls his final live performance. Around 40,000 people flocked to Villa Park in Birmingham, the city where Ozzy’s legendary band, Black Sabbath, originated.

At 76, Ozzy, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease, took the stage from a throne that rose dramatically. “Let the madness begin!” he shouted, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his fans. “I’ve been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel—thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

In a nostalgic moment, Ozzy performed solo before reuniting with Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward for the first time in 20 years. Their set concluded with the classic hit “Paranoid.”

The event was part of a larger metal festival featuring bands like Metallica, Anthrax, and Guns N’ Roses. Celebrities shared their admiration as well. Elton John praised Ozzy, calling him a “king” and “legend.”

Ozzy’s influence stretches back to 1968 when he helped form Black Sabbath in Birmingham, a city famous for its industrial roots. The band’s powerful sound and imagery made them pioneers of heavy metal, scaring parents while enthralling fans. Both Black Sabbath and Ozzy have earned their places in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

In the early 2000s, Ozzy reached new heights of fame through the reality TV show “The Osbournes.” However, his health has faced challenges since a serious quad bike accident in 2003. He revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020 and, after spinal surgery, paused touring in 2023.

According to recent studies, the heavy metal genre has seen a resurgence in popularity among younger audiences. Platforms like Spotify report increased streams of classic metal tracks, reflecting a revival of interest in the genre’s roots.

Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy endures, resonating with fans old and new. His journey from Birmingham’s working-class neighborhoods to global superstardom showcases the power of music to transcend time and obstacles.



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