Ozzy Osbourne is bidding adieu to the stage following what has been hailed as his ultimate performance alongside the original lineup of Black Sabbath. On Saturday, the rock legend, accompanied by Black Sabbath's original bassist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward, and guitarist Tony Iommi, graced the stage in Birmingham, England, for the first time in two decades, as part of the historic "Back to the Beginning" concert, billed as Osbourne's poignant "farewell performance," according to the band's official website.
Osbourne, perched on a regal, throne-like chair adorned with a bat, disclosed his Parkinson's Disease diagnosis in 2020. As the band prepared to play their final song, "Paranoid," Osbourne addressed the crowd with heartfelt gratitude. "Your unwavering support over the years has enabled us to lead the lives we've cherished," he proclaimed, footage of the moment capturing his sincerity. "Thank you from the depths of my soul. I adore you. We adore you."
The iconic band's set also included fan favorites such as "Iron Man," "N.I.B.," and "War Pigs." Prior to the reunion performance, Osbourne enthralled the audience with solo hits like "Crazy Train," "Mr. Crowley," and "Mama, I'm Coming Home," among others, as social media buzzed with excitement over the live footage.
Actor Jason Momoa served as the host for this monumental concert, with all proceeds benefiting noble causes such as Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorn Children's Hospice, as reported by Billboard. The concert's lineup was a who's who of rock and metal legends, featuring performances by Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Slayer, and Alice in Chains, among other esteemed acts.
Special guest appearances sprinkled throughout the multi-hour event included Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello, and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler also joined Morello on stage to belt out Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love."
Formed in Birmingham in 1968 with Osbourne, Butler, Ward, and Iommi, Black Sabbath is widely regarded as a pioneering force in the metal genre. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and the recipients of two Grammys, their farewell tour, The End Tour, was documented in a 2017 concert film. Despite hints at potential reunions, the band has experienced a lingering goodbye. The announcement of the "Back to the Beginning" show came in February.
After coming forward about his Parkinson's diagnosis, Osbourne confided in ABC's Robin Roberts, "I feel a sense of relief now that I've acknowledged my Parkinson's." He added, "I sincerely hope my fans stick by me, for I need their support now more than ever."
