Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, just weeks after his epic farewell gig at Villa Park. The concert saw the rock legend sing for the final time in front of 40,000 fans
Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at the age of 76, just weeks after his monumental farewell concert at Villa Park. The gig saw him perform one last time in front of a 40,000-strong crowd, backed by an ensemble of fellow music legends.
The concert was orchestrated with the assistance of his wife Sharon Osbourne bringing the founding fathers of metal, Black Sabbath, back on stage for one final performance.
Despite battling Parkinson’s disease, 76-year-old Ozzy sang from a black throne, clearly relishing the adoration of the crowd as he roared and gave wild-eyed expressions.
At times, he seemed overwhelmed. In a poignant moment, Osbourne confessed: “I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years.
He then went on to end the concert with: “You have no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
This historic gig marked the first time in 20 years that the original Sabbath line-up had reunited on stage. They were joined by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, and Steven Tyler from Aerosmith.
However, this wasn’t Ozzy’s final public appearance. He also attended Comic Con Midlands a few days later for a meet and greet alongside Sharon, Jack and Kelly.
Those fortunate enough to witness the icon in person described him as a “metal godfather” who “blessed us” with his music.
A fan who was among the last to meet Ozzy at Comic Con Midlands has shared with the Mirror his shock at the recent news, describing his feelings as “numb”. Singer Pip Marsh had gone to the convention earlier this month with a mate to meet his ultimate hero.
“I’ve just seen the news, I’m devastated,” he expressed. He continued: “It doesn’t feel real, I’m numb.”
He further remarked: “I’m gutted. I’ve always felt this strange connection to Ozzy, he lived not too far from where I grew up. One of my first ever big shows was on the same line-up as Sabbath, it’s wild. I feel numb.”
Before the heartbreaking news broke tonight, Ozzy had shared his intentions to continue recording despite the Villa Park gig being his final “goodbye” to fans.
In a fresh interview before the concert, the singer disclosed that he still had projects he wanted to finish, in spite of his Parkinson’s disease.
Speaking to Metal Hammer magazine, Ozzy said: “I am very blessed to say my goodbyes with the help of so many amazing musicians and friends. From the late 60s, we are probably one of the only bands where the original members are still alive and speaking with one another, as my wife says, it’s an invisible bond that can’t be broken.”
He concluded: “I still enjoy doing my own work. I also enjoy singing on other people’s work. For the foreseeable future, I will keep on recording if the projects interest me. It’s very important.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
