Ozzy Osbourne was engulfed by an outpouring of affection from his devoted fans. In the poignant moments preceding his untimely demise from a heart attack on July 22nd, at the age of 76, his beloved wife, Sharon Osbourne, took a poignant pause to contemplate her husband's enduring legacy and the resounding impact of his July 5th "Back to the Beginning" farewell concert. In an interview with Pollstar published on August 5th but conducted earlier on July 17th, Sharon revealed that Ozzy was deeply moved after stepping onto the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. She recounted, "He turned to me that night and said, 'I never realized so many people actually liked me.' Ozzy has always been somewhat insular, enveloped in his own world."
Yet, Sharon was unfazed by the crowd's heartfelt reaction, adding, "Oh my God, metal fans are the most unwaveringly loyal fans on earth! Once they become fans, they remain so forever. Their devotion knows no bounds." The 72-year-old mother of Aimee Osbourne, 41, Kelly Osbourne, 40, and Jack Osbourne, 39, expressed boundless joy at how the event was warmly embraced by both the attendees in person and the millions who tuned in online. "It was an immense success, a phenomenal spectacle," Sharon enthused. "It marked a historic first—a retirement concert streamed live and benefiting charity. It's a novel and perfect way to bid adieu after such a storied career."
Serving as Ozzy's manager for a substantial portion of his career, Sharon elaborated, "I never wanted Ozzy's departure to be a quiet affair devoid of grandeur. Returning to where it all began, at his cherished Villa Park—home to his beloved Aston Villa soccer team—was the most fitting way to conclude his journey. It was nothing short of perfect."
The concert was a star-studded gathering of metal legends, with bands such as Metallica, Mastodon, Anthrax, Alice in Chains, Guns N' Roses, and many more—many of whom were staples at Sharon and Ozzy's renowned Ozzfest music festival—taking the stage to pay homage to the Prince of Darkness and Black Sabbath. "It was a perfect storm," Sharon reminisced, her words painting a vivid picture of the event's magnitude.
In the days that followed Ozzy's passing, Sharon and her family shared their heartfelt tributes to the iconic musician. Jack, grappling with the profound loss, posted on Instagram on August 6th, "I haven't been able to bring myself to post anything since my father's passing. My heart aches too deeply." He expressed his fortune in calling Ozzy 'dad,' adding, "My heart is淹没了with sadness and sorrow, yet also overflowing with love and gratitude. I had 14,501 days with that man, a blessing beyond measure." His sister Kelly echoed these sentiments, writing on Instagram Stories on August 4th, "Grief is an enigmatic emotion. It creeps up on you in unexpected waves—I won't be alright for some time. But knowing my family and I are not alone in our pain brings a semblance of solace. I cling tightly to the love, the light, and the timeless legacy he has left behind."
