Ozzy Osbourne Bids Bittersweet Farewell Amid Curtain Call of Rock Legends

6 June 2025

Ozzy Osbourne, pictured at the closing ceremony for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, has performed live for the final time (PA)

In a spectacle that echoed across generations, Ozzy Osbourne took to the stage one final time on July 5 in his hometown of Birmingham, delivering a farewell performance with Black Sabbath that was equal parts emotional denouement and celebration of a decades-long legacy. The Villa Park stadium brimmed with 40,000 devoted fans, all bearing witness to a raw display of vulnerability and triumph. Seated on a black throne due to his struggle with Parkinson’s, the 76‑year‑old singer launched into a solo segment that reintroduced him to the roar of the crowd. His commanding presence emerged undimmed even as he battled illness, and his rallying cry “Let the madness begin” set the tone for what would become an evening steeped in poignancy.

Before that climactic moment, the day had unfolded as an all‑star festival of metal. Acts including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Anthrax, Slayer, Pantera, Tool, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Mastodon, and Lamb of God had each brought their tribute to Black Sabbath forward, weaving their energies into sets of both covers and originals. Two supergroups stood out in particular one featuring Steven Tyler, Ronnie Wood, Travis Barker, Billy Corgan, Sammy Hagar, and Tom Morello each paying homage with their own renditions of Sabbath classics. These collaborations transformed the arena into a living testament to Sabbath's influence on heavy music across the world.

Ozzy’s segment began with his solo performance of five of his greatest hits, followed by a poignant reunion: the original Black Sabbath lineup, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward joined him for a final four‑song run that included their iconic anthem “Paranoid.” It marked the first time the four had performed together since 2005, stirring a deep sense of history and closure in both the audience and performers.

Notable cameo appearances punctuated the evening. Jason Momoa who had hosted the event introduced the core segments, while Elton John, Dolly Parton, Jack Black, Billy Idol, and Jonathan Davis sent video tributes celebrating Ozzy’s indelible impact on rock and metal. Moments of fan‑catered nostalgia, these clips added layers of warmth and reflection to the charged atmosphere.

Behind the scenes, this show represented much more than just entertainment. Unified under the banner "Back to the Beginning," the concert aimed to benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, charities personally meaningful to Ozzy and the band. The event underscored how, even in retirement, his presence could still galvanize causes with heart.

Jack Osbourne offered his own post‑show tribute via Instagram, sharing archival footage and a poignant caption: “For everything I learned along the way...the final Good Night We Love You All.” His words captured the emotional journey of a son honoring a father’s storied career.

Though Ozzy’s condition now confines him to a throne, his stagecraft remained undiminished. From his signature raspy croon to his rallying speeches between songs, the evening brimmed with energy an antidote to the ageing physical form. By the time fireworks punctuated the final notes, it was clear that this was not simply a goodbye. It was an affirmation of resilience and an invitation to celebrate an unwavering spirit.

Beyond the personal significance, the concert marked a historical pivot. Black Sabbath’s formation in Birmingham in 1968 defined the course of heavy metal, and their return to that soil encased this farewell in powerful symbolism. The reunion underscored how the band’s origins, influences, and ethos reverberate across generations and genres. Observers have noted that while Sabbath may have sung its last live set, its legacy will ripple outward for decades more.

Yet the question lingered as the night wound down: was this truly the end? In sincerity or defiance, Ozzy’s lyrics and the thunder of applause suggested both. Perhaps it was final, perhaps it was a passage. Amid tears, roars, and fireworks, fans and performers alike left with a shared sense of closure and perhaps a glimmer of hope that this final goodbye might reverberate differently with time.

As Ozzy Osbourne exited stage left, the music did not die. Instead, it echoed onward through charity proceeds, through the memories of a generation, and through the countless musicians he inspired. The prince of darkness had stepped back into shadow, leaving a blaze that would light the way for years to come.