2025-07-07T01:54:15Z

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In a momentous celebration of heavy metal music, hard-rock royalty Ozzy Osbourne took to the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, for what he has declared as his final live performance. This highly anticipated event, attended by approximately 40,000 passionate fans, marked a poignant tribute not only to Osbourne himself but also to the legacy of his iconic band, Black Sabbath, which played a crucial role in shaping the heavy metal genre.

The concert took place on a Saturday and featured Osbourne, 76, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, performing from a specially designed black throne that emerged from beneath the stage. As he took center stage, he energetically declared, "Let the madness begin!" expressing his deep gratitude towards the fans who have supported him throughout his tumultuous journey. "I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart," he said, a testament to the emotional weight of the occasion.

Osbourne kicked off the performance with several solo numbers before being joined on stage by his original Black Sabbath bandmates, Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward, marking a significant reunion 20 years in the making. The set culminated in a rousing rendition of "Paranoid," one of the band's most beloved tracks, enveloping the audience in a wave of nostalgia and excitement. The concert was part of a day-long metal festival that showcased performances from renowned bands such as Anthrax, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses, drawing in metal fans from all corners of the globe.

Thanks to modern technology, fans who could not attend in person were able to experience the event through a live stream, allowing metal enthusiasts worldwide to be part of this historic celebration. The event featured tightly scheduled sets, with many bands allotted time to play just one or two of their original songs alongside a cover of an Ozzy Osbourne or Black Sabbath classic, ensuring a rapid-fire showcase of talent.

Among the many highlights of the day was a performance from a supergroup consisting of rock legends including Billy Corgan, Sammy Hagar, Steven Tyler, Adam Jones, Vernon Reid, Tom Morello, and Nuno Bettencourt. The event also featured an exciting drum-off that pitted blink-182's Travis Barker against Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tool's Danny Carey, further electrifying the atmosphere.

Numerous celebrities, including Jack Black, Dolly Parton, AC/DC, Cyndi Lauper, and Elton John, sent heartfelt video tributes, highlighting Osbourne's significant impact on music and popular culture. The evening was hosted by actor Jason Momoa, who not only kept the energy alive on stage but also joined the audience in the mosh pit, adding an exhilarating touch to the festivities.

Ozzy Osbourne's journey began in 1968 when he formed Black Sabbath in Birmingham, a city known as a hub for heavy industry and the birthplace of British metal. Their groundbreaking sound and striking imagery set them apart as one of the most influential metal acts, often challenging the norms of the music industry and drawing both adoration and criticism. Both Black Sabbath and Osbourne as a solo artist have earned their rightful places in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Osbourne's fame surged in the early 2000s when he starred alongside his wife Sharon and two of their children in the reality TV show "The Osbournes," which brought his unique personality and struggles into the mainstream spotlight. Despite his health issues stemming from a near-fatal quad bike accident in 2003 and the revelation of his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2020, Osbourne's enduring spirit and passion for music have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and musicians alike.