Ozzy Osbourne Bids Farewell to the Stage with Black Sabbath Reunion

Ozzy Osbourne has performed what has been billed as his final show with the original members of Black Sabbath, marking the end of an era for the metal icon.

A Historic Reunion in Birmingham

Osbourne reunited with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward on stage for the first time in two decades at a farewell festival in his hometown of Birmingham, England, on Saturday night. The concert, dubbed “Back to the Beginning,” drew a crowd of 40,000 fans and featured a star-studded lineup of rock and metal legends.

A Lineup of Metal Giants

The event wasn’t just a Black Sabbath reunion; it was a celebration of rock and metal history. Performances included Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Alice in Chains, and special appearances by Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), and Travis Barker (Blink-182). Tyler even joined Morello on stage for a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.”

A Moving Farewell

Performing while seated in a throne-like chair adorned with a bat, Osbourne expressed his gratitude to the audience. “Your support over the years has made it all possible for us to live the lifestyle we live,” he said before playing the band’s iconic final song, “Paranoid.” “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. We love you.”

A Legacy of Heavy Metal

Formed in Birmingham in 1968, Black Sabbath is widely considered a pioneer of the heavy metal genre. The band has won two Grammys and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. While the band previously embarked on “The End” tour, culminating in a 2017 concert film, this reunion felt particularly poignant.

Battling Parkinson’s Disease

Osbourne revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 2020. He has spoken openly about the challenges of living with the condition, expressing gratitude for the support of his fans. “I feel better now that I’ve owned up to the fact that I have a case of Parkinson’s,” he told ABC’s Robin Roberts. “And I just hope (my fans) hang on and they’re there for me because I need them.”

Proceeds for Charity

All proceeds from the concert and livestream benefited several foundations, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.

Key Takeaways

• Ozzy Osbourne performed his final show with the original Black Sabbath lineup in Birmingham, England.
• The concert featured a star-studded lineup of rock and metal artists.
• Osbourne expressed gratitude to his fans and acknowledged his battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
• Black Sabbath’s legacy as pioneers of heavy metal was celebrated.
• The event raised funds for charitable organizations.