OZZY Osbourne became emotional as he spoke his final words to adoring fans – just weeks before he died aged 76.
The legendary rocker passed away "surrounded by love", his family confirmed this evening.
"It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning," wrote the family.
"He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
"Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis."
Ozzy's tragic passing comes just weeks after his final performance in Birmingham – where it all began.
On the night of his famous last gig, Ozzy opened up to the emotional crowd.
"I don't know what to say, man, I've been laid up for like six years," he confessed.
"You have no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.
"You're all f****** special. Let's go crazy, come on."
He started the set by saying: "Let me hear you. Are you ready? Let the madness begin!"
Later, he said: "It's so good to be on this f****** stage. You have no idea.
"I f****** love you all. Let me see your hands in the air. You are the best, each and every one of you. God bless you all."
The rocker sang five songs in his own set, with fans waving torches from their phones during Mama, I'm Coming Home.
He finished his performance with Crazy Train, before confetti rained over a packed Villa Park.
More on Ozzy Osbourne…
- 'If it's end of the road, I can't complain' How hard-living rocker Ozzy Osbourne had no regrets amid health battles
- Ozzy Osbourne joined Black Sabbath on stage for poignant final show weeks before death aged 76
- Emotional moment Ozzy celebrated with daughter Kelly after she got engaged at last concert days before death
- Ozzy Osbourne's final photo as Black Sabbath star snapped beaming on stage in final gig
- Black Sabbath lead tributes to rock legend after his tragic death
- From bat-biting antics & drug battles to rollercoaster reality show – how Ozzy truly earned title of Prince of Darkness
- Osbourne family's full touching statement as they mourn rock icon Ozzy 'with more sadness than mere words can convey'
After a short break, he re-entered the stage to join the rest of Black Sabbath for the first time in 20 years.
The band performed some of their greatest hits, ending with a rendition of Paranoid.
In his last ever interview, the heavy metal icon said his "final encore" meant "everything".
He told RadioX: "It's my final encore; it's my chance to say thank you to my fans for always supporting me and being there for me."
Speaking of his fans, Ozzy said: "I hope they feel appreciated for how much they mean to me."
"I couldn't have done my final show anywhere else. I had to go back to the beginning," he added when talking about performing in Birmingham.
He lovingly recalled childhood memories of watching football at the Aston Villa stadium.
He explained: "Every Saturday when there was a match, I would go out with my friends and stand outside the Villa asking people for a shilling to watch their car."
The icon had vowed that it would be his final performance due to his deteriorating health, having opened up about his battle with Parkinson's in 2020.
Ozzy sang with his fellow founding fathers of heavy metal while seated on a black bat throne.
It was the first time in 20 years that the original Black Sabbath line-up have performed together.
Back To The Beginning also featured a mega line-up of fellow rock stars, performing their own sets and as a super-group, and all the profits made will be going to charity.
The money will be shared equally between Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorn Children's Hospice.
Black Sabbath lead tributes to rock legend after his tragic death
Black Sabbath paid tribute to one of their own.
They wrote on X: "Ozzy Forever!", while sharing a picture of the late singer.
Pantera
The US heavy metal band also wrote on Instagram: "RIP @ozzyosbourne "Thank you for all that you did for metal & Pantera.
"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Amy & Louis, we are so very sorry for your loss."
Piers Morgan
The media personality shared a photo on Instagram, showing himself alongside Ozzy and his wife Sharon.
Piers penned: "RIP Ozzy Osbourne.
"One of the greatest rock stars in history, and a wonderful character.
"Truly one of the funniest people I've ever known. I'm so glad he got to do his final show back in Birmingham two weeks ago, it meant so much to him.
"I once asked Ozzy what was the best moment of his life and he replied instantly: 'Meeting Sharon.' My heart breaks for her."
Danny Baker
The comedy writer and radio DJ wrote: "I have been a Black Sabbath fan almost my entire life.
"And when I say Black Sabbath I mean the band with Ozzy Osbourne in it. Everything else was business.
"They were just immense. A thundering voice and noise direct from the working class."
Aston Villa
Ozzy grew up in Aston – and the football club shared a tribute after news of his passing.
The caption read: "Aston Villa Football Club is saddened to learn that world-renowned rock star and Villain, Ozzy Osbourne has passed away.
"Growing up in Aston, not far from Villa Park, Ozzy always held a special connection to the club and community he came from.
"The thoughts of everyone at Aston Villa are with his wife Sharon, his family, friends and countless fans at this extremely difficult time.
"Rest in peace, Ozzy."
PETA
PETA said in a statement to The Sun – From PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange:
"Ozzy Osbourne was a legend and a provocateur, but PETA will remember the "Prince of Darkness" most fondly for the gentle side he showed to animals—most recently cats, by using his fame to decry painful, crippling declawing mutilations.
"Ozzy may have been the singer, but his wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Kelly, were of one voice when it meant protecting animals.
"Ozzy will be missed by animal advocates the world over."
Yungblud
Singer-songwriter Yungblud wrote on X: "I didn't think you would leave so soon the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room.
"But as it is written with legends, they seem to know things that we don't.
"I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage.
"Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own.
"You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough.
"You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time."
Rod Stewart
The 80-year-old shared in his Instagram story: "Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well my friend.
"I'll see you up there – later rather than sooner. – Sir Rod Stewart"
Adam Sandler
The Hollywood icon said on X: "Whether we were in our basements with our brothers, in the woods with our buddies, in the car, at a keg party, on a boat, at football practice, at a sleepover….Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness – Ozzy Osborne!
"Loved him a lot like we all did! Sending love to the family and so happy to have spent time with the legend himself. RIP"
Sir Brian May
The Queen icon said Ozzy's final concert earlier in the month "was a glorious way to say goodbye" to the heavy metal vocalist.
The lead guitarist of Queen said on social media: "So sad to hear of Ozzie's passing. His last appearance at Villa Park was a glorious way to say goodbye – the love in that place for him was gigantic.
"I'm grateful I was able to have a few quiet words with him after the show. And happy to know he passed peacefully with his loving family close by."
He added: "But the world will miss Ozzie's unique presence and fearless talent. My heartfelt consolations to Sharon and their great family.
"And to Bill (Ward) and Geezer (Butler) and my dear friend Tony (Iommi) – for this is family – I know only too well. REST IN PEACE dear Ozzie. Bri."
Parkinson's UK chief executive
Caroline Rassell paid tribute to the star, who opened up about his battle with the disease in 2020.
She said: "News of Ozzy Osbourne's death, so soon after his celebratory homecoming show, will come as a shock to so many.
"By speaking openly about both his diagnosis and life with Parkinson's, Ozzy and all his family helped so many families in the same situation.
"They normalised tough conversations and made others feel less alone with a condition that's on the rise and affecting more people every day.
"All of our heartfelt thoughts are with his family, friends and fans worldwide. His memory and the impact he left on the world will live on in all of them."
Metallica and Slayer were on the line-up for main sets as they celebrated Ozzy's remarkable legacy at his final show.
Pantera, Gojira, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon also played at the show.
In another poignant twist, Ozzy's daughter Kelly Osbourne got engaged to her boyfriend Sid Wilson at the veteran rocker's final concert.
Stood in front of Sharon and Ozzy, they appeared to have an idea of what was to come as the former X Factor judge could be heard saying to everyone in the room: "You've got to be quiet!"
Sid then took the hand of Kelly, who was dressed down in some comfy leopard print trousers and a simple black hoodie.
He said to the TV personality: "Kelly, you know I love you more than anything in the world!"
Ozzy then appeared to give the game away as he jokingly quipped with his signature potty mouth: "F*** off, you are not marrying my daughter!"
The group laughed before Sid continued as he said: "I want to spend the rest of my life with you – and ask in front of all of our family and friends, Kelly, will you marry me?
Kelly turned her head as she looked on open-mouthed before Sid began to stand up and place the ring onto her finger.
Proud dad Ozzy could not hold back his excitement after the incredible news.
Tributes have already poured in for the legend following his family's announcement this evening.
Black Sabbath shared a picture of Ozzy on his icon throne, with the simple caption: "Ozzy Forever!"
David Coverdale, founder and lead singer of rock band Whitesnake – and rumoured to once be considered for the role of Black Sabbath frontman – shared a message on X.
"My Sincere Condolences To Sharon, The Family, Friends & Fans," he wrote.
Actor Jason Momoa also shared a snap taken with Ozzy and Sharon.
"All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP," he wrote.
Heartbroken fans have also paid their respects to the icon.
One said on X: "RIP Ozzy Osbourne #Ozzy."
Another added: "Rip Ozzy, condolences to the Osbornes."
"Heavy Metal lost an icon today, just weeks after his final show. RIP Ozzy. Thank you for everything," agreed a third.
The legend cemented his place in rock history early in his career with controversial displays such as biting the head off a bat.
The stunt came in 1982, during a performance in Des Moines, Iowa, when a fan threw the animal on stage.
Ozzy, believing it to be made of rubber, bit into the carcass, and later had to be plied with rabies shots.
He also snorted a line of ants while on tour with the notorious Mötley Crüe band in the '80s.
Off-stage the rocker also hit headlines for eye-brow raising appearances, such as the time he urinated on the Cenotaph at the Alamo while wearing one of Sharon's dresses.
Although his wild behaviour would have been enough to see some artists blacklisted, Ozzy became a loveable rogue who captured fans' hearts across the globe.
In 2001, Ozzy appealed to a whole new audience after appearing in reality TV show The Osbournes with his family.
Its first series was the most-watched show ever on MTV and propelled Jack and Kelly into stardom, with the latter enjoying a music career of her own.
With the family's success growing, they hosted the 30th Annual American Music Awards and later the BRIT Awards in London.
The hugely popular show ran until 2005 and portrayed heartbreaking moments for the family – including Sharon's battle with cancer and the quad bike accident that nearly killed Ozzy.
The family later starred in the reality series The Osbournes Want to Believe and special The Osbournes: Night of Terror, which both focused on paranormal investigations.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, the star had a string of jobs including labourer, plumber and abattoir worker after dropping out of school aged 15.
He was raised by his parents Lilian and John, with three older sisters and two younger brothers, in a humble two-bed house.
The youngster struggled in education with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, and dyslexia.
And Ozzy became entangled with petty crime and served two months in prison for burglary.
It was during his stint behind bars he gave himself his first tattoo, his iconic OZZY on the knuckles of his left hand.
The singer then pursued his love of music after hearing The Beatles hit She Loves You in 1963.
After appearing in a handful of school plays, Ozzy joined bassist Geezer Butler in their first group Rare Breed in 1967 at the age of 19.
When that band split, the pair reunited in Polka Tulk Blues alongside Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward.
They renamed the group, originally called Earth, as Black Sabbath.
The band took on satanic and occult themes, which were enough to see them condemned by future pope Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.
Some of Black Sabbath's most iconic hits featured on their second album Paranoid.
The skyrocketed to international fame with five consecutive platinum selling albums within three years.
But Ozzy himself quit the band in 1978, with a spiral into drug abuse leading to a divorce from first wife Thelma Mayfair, who he had two children with.
However by the 1980s, Black Sabbath signed Don Arden as their manager.
This led Ozzy to meet his future wife Sharon – Arden's daughter.
The pair eventually tied the knot on July 4, 1982 – a date set by Ozzy so he would never forget their anniversary.
With Sharon's encouragement and help from her music manager dad Don, he began to carve out a successful solo career.
Ozzy's seminal first album Blizzard of Ozz in 1980 became a multi-platinum success thanks to Ozzy's howling vocals and macabre laugh on hit Crazy Train.
However, in 1989 Ozzy's hardcore partying lifestyle took a sinister turn when he tried to strangle Sharon.
She agreed not to press charges if he went to rehab – a decision that allowed the icon to continue performing.
In 1992, the singer announced his retirement but four years later created the beloved annual music festival Ozzfest with Sharon, which featured heavy metal acts touring the US and some of Europe.
Ozzy returned to Black Sabbath in 1999, with the band winning a Grammy for best metal performance for the song Iron Man.
They later earned the same award in 2013 after releasing single God Is Dead? from album 13.
In 2006, Ozzy and the rest of Black Sabbath were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
A year later, the star released his first solo studio album in six years, Black Rain followed by Scream in 2010 and Ordinary Man in 2020.
Ozzy won another Grammy for Patient Number 9 in 2022 and single Degradation Rules, which featured Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi.
But following a spate of nasty injuries, Ozzy was forced to cancel his upcoming tour after revealing he was "not physically capable" of the travel required.
Black Sabbath studio albums
- Black Sabbath – 1970
- Paranoid – 1970
- Master of Reality – 1971
- Vol. 4 – 1972
- Sabbath Bloody Sabbath – 1973
- Sabotage – 1975
- Technical Ecstasy – 1976
- Never Say Die! – 1978
- Heaven and Hell – 1980
- Mob Rules – 1981
- Born Again – 1983
- Seventh Star – 1986
- The Eternal Idol – 1987
- Headless Cross – 1989
- Tyr – 1990
- Dehumanizer – 1992
- Cross Purposes – 1994
- Forbidden – 1995
- 13 – 2013
Ozzy suffered a spinal injury after an accident at his LA home in 2019 that required him to undergo surgery on his neck.
He was sadly diagnosed with Parkinson's the same year and revealed the sad news a year later in an emotional joint interview with Sharon.
The singer told Good Morning America at the time that he couldn't hide his health struggles any longer.
But not content with being laid up in bed, Ozzy wowed fans with a surprise performance of Paranoid in his hometown Birmingham at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
And this year, he took to the stage for Black Sabbath's final-ever concert on July 5.
Post a Comment