Ozzy Osbourne has reunited with Black Sabbath and carried out his closing gig – telling followers “you’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart”, in an emotional however actually steel goodbye.
Introduced earlier this 12 months, Again To The Starting at Villa Park stadium was billed because the “final bow” for the person revered as a founding father of heavy steel after a number of years of well being issues, together with Parkinson’s illness.
Rising up on a black throne that includes jewelled skulls, the 76-year-old carried out a solo set earlier than being joined by his unique bandmates – Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi and Invoice Ward – for Black Sabbath’s first efficiency in 20 years.
“Let the madness begin,” Osbourne cried as he appeared for the primary time, telling about 40,000 followers: “It’s so good to be on this stage.”
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Ozzy smiles and waves his arms. Pic: Ross Halfin
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Ozzy Osbourne sings whereas sitting on a black throne
With the group chanting his title, he carried out each units sitting down, however the voice and the crazed glint in his eyes have been there virtually all through.
Singing fan favourites together with Mr Crowley and Loopy Practice, and Iron Man and Paranoid with Black Sabbath, Osbourne performed the group to sing “louder, louder”, and “go f****** crazy”.
This was an orchestrated exit by heavy steel’s largest character, with a supporting line-up of onerous rock luminaries – from Slayer and Halestorm to Metallica and Weapons ‘n’ Roses, plus stars together with Steven Tyler, Ronnie Wooden, Yungblud, Travis Barker and Chad Smith, who confirmed up for “supergroup” performances.
Many stated they’d not be the musicians they’re with out Osbourne and Black Sabbath.
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Ronnie Wooden was among the many onerous rock luminaries within the line-up. Pic: Ross Halfin
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Stars on the live performance included Steven Tyler. Pic: Ross Halfin
“Without Sabbath, there would be no Metallica,” stated frontman James Hetfield throughout their efficiency.
“We’re not here to say goodbye,” stated Anthrax’s Scott Ian. “We’re just here to say thank you.”
All through the day, big Ozzy and Black Sabbath seaside balls, within the Aston Villa claret and blue, have been bounced round a jubilant crowd.
Tributes from different celeb mates and followers, from Billy Idol and Ricky Gervais to Dolly Parton and Sir Elton John, have been performed on display.
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Metallica frontman James Hetfield in the course of the present. Pic: Ross Halfin
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Yungblud additionally carried out. Pic: Kazuyo Horie
Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, who hosted the occasion, informed the group heavy steel had been a “safehaven” for a lot of rising up, and Black Sabbath’s music had “influenced and inspired musicians” of all eras and genres.
The farewell present was the concept of Osbourne’s spouse, Sharon – one closing gig to complete his performing profession on a excessive – after he was pressured to cancel exhibits he had deliberate in 2023, telling followers he “never imagined” his touring days would finish that approach.
Earnings from the present shall be shared between Treatment Parkinson’s, Birmingham Kids’s Hospital, and Acorn’s Kids’s Hospice.
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Confetti rained down on followers in the course of the present
The gig got here after the Black Sabbath band members have been awarded the liberty of Birmingham earlier in June, recognised for his or her significance to the cultural and musical id of the town they grew up in.
The group fashioned in 1968 and went on to develop into one of the vital profitable steel bands of all time, promoting greater than 75 million albums worldwide through the years.
They have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame in 2006 – Osbourne once more later as a solo artist final 12 months – and awarded a lifetime Ivor Novello songwriting award in 2015. In 2019, they have been introduced with a Grammy lifetime achievement prize.
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Again To The Starting’s all star line-up. Pic: Ross Halfin
Now, their first efficiency in 20 years may even be their final – one for the steel historical past books.
The present ended with fireworks and a roar from the group, who had chanted Ozzy’s title all through.
For followers, Again To The Starting capped all of it – the last word rock and steel line-up, and one final alternative to indicate their love for the Prince of Darkness.
“I feel lucky to be able to attend this,” stated Calum Kennedy, 19, from Dunfermline. “It’s the biggest metal show known to man, [the biggest line-up] ever. I’ve never seen anything better.”
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Ozzy wore a shiny black jacket and a gold armband bearing his title. Pic: Ross Halfin
Ben Sutton, 24, from Chester, added: “I feel like it’s important – we’re of the younger generation – for us to see some of the heritage and history of the genre we love, metal in general. It’s such an honour to say goodbye to him.”
Steve Townson, from Lincolnshire, stated: “I saw him the first time round and the fact that he’s still going is incredible, isn’t it? I was there at the start, I’m happy to be here at the end.”
