Back to the Beginning, by Ozzy Osbourne, was nothing short of sensational but it appeared to be the legendary rocker’s funeral while he was still alive. The perfect blowout came from it.
Ozzy Osbourne’s death has shocked the world, but for those of us lucky enough to be at Back to the Beginning the sad news feels like it was written in the stars. The 76-year-old rocker’s last gig just weeks ago saw him leave it all on stage for one last time.
While the effect of the final show may never truly sink in, it was clearly a real end of an era as the Prince of Darkness took it back to the beginning for one last time. There was a strange anticipation in the crowds that this would be his farewell – it was like attending a funeral with the centre of the emotion still in the arena with us. And it appears today though, sadly, it was exactly that.
The 45, 000 people at Villa Park on July 5 will cherish seeing the legendary singer right where he once was.
You could see how important Ozzy’s performance was when his frail body took center stage, his euphoric voice, his sincere thank-you messages, and the sparkle in his eyes were all present. After years of struggles, his advanced Parkinson’s disease clearly limiting the rocker, it was a moment many people would never have anticipated.
He was well aware of this. No more hints of a comeback. There are no longer any what ifs. He was determined to give it his all because it was already known that this would be his last sendoff.
Despite having no visible health issues in his bat-adorned chair, he was determined to leave everything on the stage, which had become his rightful idol for more than a decade.
He stepped out in style, starting with a quartet of his solo songs, which included a gothic throne with skulls on the arm rests, which had skulls on the arm rests. You could see how much his energy was being sapping his energy after each song, with water and throat sprays on hand for each brief break.
But that wouldn’t stop him either. It was, of course, not a flawless display. However, he continued to exhort the audience to louden in his customary expletive manner, and his smiling and stereotypical demonic looks will endure a lifetime. After he had instructed everyone to “let the madness begin,” shouts of “come on” and “I can’t f***ing hear you” rang out as he whipped the crowd into a frenzied rage.
Add in the swaying and clapping he was confined to the chair, and the Ozzy of old was on its way. N. I. War Pigs Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, and bassist Geezer Butler performed B, Iron Man, and Paranoid for one last time.
Before Ozzy’s entrance, what was expected was nothing short of sensational. There are so many genre icons and legends coming together to create the ideal opening for a true great. It’s obvious how significant he was to the music industry and that they knew this was the end because of Ronnie Wood, Steven Tyler, YungBlud, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Pantera, to name a few.
And you depart from there exactly like that. Under the fireworks (and a cake to go along with it). Ozzy’s career was dragged backwards after a shadow of illness was cast over him. In an odd manner, he performed a funeral and wake-celebration for a loved one who was still with us, giving everyone one last day to remember.
Ozzy, rest in peace. I appreciate the memories.
Source: Mirror
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