It was labelled Back to the Beginning, but it was most certainly the end of an era for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. As the curtain came down on an industry defining career, a full day of metal with the biggest names in the genre a stone’s throw from Ozzy’s childhood home was a fitting way to call it quits.
I can’t confess to being one of the staunchest of followers of the Prince of Darkness – fans arrived from all over the world, including Brazil, Estonia and USA to name a few. But, it was clear I was a part of history at Villa Park as Ozzy and co took to it for one last time. Sitting trying to take it all in after the show had finished, I joined fans in questioning what we had just witnessed.
Will this ever be repeated? Will there ever be another? I highly doubt it. It really felt like the perfect celebration – and one both the fans and Ozzy himself clearly needed.
He might not have been the rocker of old, his frail body confined to his bat-adorned chair, but he was still able to keep the adoring crowd in the palm of his hand at ease. He brought many fans to tears as they tried their best to soak it up in their dream-like state for the final time.
While it was an emotional day for those watching on, some conflicted on the appearance due to his physical wellbeing, it was obvious that Ozzy was feeling it too.
He regularly thanked fans, with the sincerity touching. But he still threw it back with his expletive urges for the crowd to get louder, of course. While his struggles were obvious, he left it all out on stage. Ozzy’s glares and demonic stares were also on hand to roll back the years with his iconic appearance.
His health issues have been well documented, with the 76-year-old’s Parkinson’s disease taking its toll. But while some fans were left torn when it came to his wheeled out performance, I personally hold nothing but respect for the icon and the efforts made to entertain his crowd one last time despite his ailments.
Let’s face it, who else in this genre could have such a pull? Over 40,000 packed into the football stadium of his beloved Aston Villa for a once-in-a-lifetime concert. Where else would you see so many legendary bands take to the same stage?
I happily avoided the many mosh pits throughout the day but enjoyed watching on as the jubilant fans on the pitch went hell for leather. Rather them than me! Although, I hope you weren’t one of those hit by a flying trainer from the Lamb of God lead singer as he launched his footwear after his set.
For me, it was the drum-off and Super Band B’s entrance that really got the party started. Three of the world’s best – Travis Barker of Blink 182, Tool’s Danny Carey, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Chad Smith – mesmerized with their skills.
And calling what followed a Super Band was an understatement. I started to lose track of all the iconic names that were being welcomed to the stage. Billy Corgan, Tom Morello, Nuno Bettencourt, KK Downing, Rudy Sarzo and Sammy Hagar to name just a few.
Throw in Ronnie Wood and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler for good measure and I was in awe, if not not fully believing what was going on.
And how could we forget Hollywood royalty Jason Momoa? The metal fan was the announcer for the day. Surreal, right?
He told the crowd this music is in our DNA as he explained how it has helped in every movie role he has been in before surprisingly joining the moshers near the stage for Pantera’s set.
It was a day for the ages, that’s for sure. It’ll long live in my memory and just goes to show the true impact Ozzy has had on the world throughout his 57-year career. As bow outs go, you’ll be pushed to see any better.
Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply