Black Sabbath final gig review – Ozzy Osbourne’s touching comment moved fans to tears

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.

Ozzy Osbourne took to the stage one final time last night

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.

The Mirror's Jamie Roberts went to Black Sabbath's final gig last night in Birmingham
The Mirror’s Jamie Roberts went to Black Sabbath’s final gig last night in Birmingham

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.

Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy performed from a bat-themed throne (BBC)

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.

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Noel Gallagher’s ex Meg Mathews breaks silence after early Oasis gig exit

Meg Mathews has set the record straight after leaving Oasis’ gig early on Friday night. The former IT girl, who split up with Noel Gallagher 25 years ago after welcoming their daughter, Anais, into the world, was one of the legions of loyal fans, who had rocked up to see the band perform.

However, when Noel launched into his epic Wonderwall, Meg was seen leaving the stadium, with some speculating it was because the song, which Noel had written for Meg, would be hard to hear.

Noel Gallagher, Anais
,Meg Matthews posted this video of her daughter with Noel Gallagher, Anais, rushing to give her dad a hug before he went out on stage (Instagram/megmathewsofficial_)

Breaking her silence on the reports, Meg has taken to Instagram, insisting there is no drama, posting: “I just want to set it straight. I left before the encore to get my car. I have left 100s of stadiums at the end and it’s been carnage.

“And yes, I heard Wonderwall loud and clear outside. Thank you. I was not being rude or bored. “

Meg concerned fans when she left early before one of the band’s most iconic tracks was played. Anais’ mum, who was married to Noel from 1997 until 2001, was seen walking out of the reunion gig ahead of the band playing Wonderwall. The song may be a difficult listen for the former IT girl, who Noel originally claimed inspired the song.

Noel had originally claimed he’d written it on a rainy Tuesday night for his then girlfriend. Back in 1996, he said: “It’s about my girlfriend, Meg Mathews. She had a company which folded and she was feeling a bit sorry for herself.

“The sentiment is that there was no point in her feeling down, she has to sort my life out for me because I was in bits at the time. “

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Before the gig started, Meg shared a secret clip of her daughter, Anais, and Noel Gallagher, seconds before the Oasis star stepped out on stage on Friday. After an endlessly long 16 years, Oasis fans were in their element in South Wales when Noel reunited with his brother, Liam, at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in a gig, which brought the house down.

Proud daughter, Anais, had VIP access to the concert and was seen hugging her dad seconds before Noel went out on stage. In a clip shared by mum, Meg, Anais suddenly comes into shot as her dad prepares to send the 70,000-strong crowd into a frenzy.

Quickly hugging the Wonderwall star before disappearing into the crowd, Anais, looks delighted with life as proud mum, Meg, captions the clip: “Love you Nai Nai. “

Anais, 25, looked like she was having a ball at the concert, which fans described as ‘euphoric’, when she posted a snap of herself with a pint of beer, wearing an Oasis shirt with the caption: “It’s good to be back. “

Noel Gallagher and Anais
So sweet! (Instagram/megmathewsofficial_)

A string of famous faces were spotted in the crowd as Oasis reunited in a comeback tour, which has been on the top of fans’ wish lists for more than a decade.

The band were seen walking onto the stage with their song ‘F**king in the Bushes’ before they then started belting out ‘Hello’. The crowd welcomed them with cheers at the sold out gig, which kicks off a global tour for the Don’t Look Back In Anger stars.

In the audience was the likes of EastEnders star Danny Dyer as well as Line Of Duty actress Vicky McClure. Vernon Kay also posed for pictures outside the Principality Stadium.

Following the gig after an epic two and a half hours on stage alongside brother, Noel, Liam told the crowd: “Thank you, beautiful people. This is it. Nice one for putting up with us over the years. We are hard work, we get it. “

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Oasis fans spot subtle cameo by Liam Gallagher’s newest family member at reunion gig

While thousands of fans looked on as Oasis performed their iconic songs one fan noticed that Liam Gallagher had paid tribute to his beloved dog Buttons while on stage

Liam Gallagher pays tribute to his pooch Buttons during first leg on world tour

As the stage lit up at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff to mark the first of many concerts of the Oasis world tour, many were left thrilled to see the Gallagher brothers reunite to perform their classic tracks. But one eagle-eyed fan noticed that Liam had made an effort to share his special moment with one of his “family members”, after placing them on the big screen behind him – his beloved dog Buttons.

The frontman of Oasis, 52, had an image of his pet pooch who he rescued from the jungle in Thailand in full view on the big screen behind him. Liam adopted Buttons in 2023 and the pair have seemingly built up an unbreakable bond ever since.

An image of Buttons appears on the big screen during Cardiff concert
An image of Buttons appears on the big screen during Cardiff concert

Taking to X, Niall Harbison, who had originally rescued Button from the jungle, wrote: “Most people were probably looking at @liamgallagher and @oasis last night on stage. “

He added: “Look a little closer and you’ll spot a dog called Buttons. Her’s is a remarkable story… “

He continued: “Button was a little puppy who walked into our sanctuary in Thailand in the middle of the jungle just as it was getting built. She had been abandoned. She kept coming back daily for food and hoping for company. “

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After rescuing Buttons, Niall put the pooch up for adoption only to find Liam and his partner Debbie were interested in taking Buttons home with them back to the UK.

Niall continued: “Little did I know but Liam and his partner Debbie had been following. After a long process she was adopted to them in the UK. Buttons has grown into a beloved member of the family and landed on her paws. “

He went on to say: “Liam has been a big support of @wearehappydoggo and donated his globe from the last tour to raise funds. I don’t think buttons realizes her dad is a rock star. She just loves her humans. “

Liam Gallagher adopted Buttons from a Thailand rescue centre
Liam Gallagher adopted Buttons from a Thailand rescue centre

Niall concluded his post saying: “So if you are wondering why there is a dog on the @oasis screens now you know. Well done buttons. I think you can say you’ve made it when your dad has you on the big screen. “

At the time, Niall had posted a number of images of Liam bonding with Buttons while in Thailand. In one picture shared on social media, Liam is seen dressed in a navy blue cagoule as he lovingly placed one hand under Button’s chin while the other gently held Buttons’ paw.

In another image from 2023, Liam is seen playing with Buttons as he held his hand up in the air instructing Buttons to jump up and catch whatever he held in his hand.

Ahead of the reunion tour, Liam has steered clear of alcohol and partying in order to give fans the best show of their lives.

But it wasn’t that long ago the rock and roll star had vowed to maintain his boozy lifestyle until he was 80 years old.

In a Sky documentary Liam Gallagher: 48 Hours At Rockfield, he said: “I am not into yoga and I don’t eat tofu. I drink lager and I like to have a good time. I don’t punish myself into being some super-skinny dude.”

He added: “I am what I am. I am not a 50-year-old going round preaching. I will be like this when I am f**king 80, hopefully. “

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READ MORE: Oasis have released new tickets for UK tour – how to buy yours if you missed out

Maisie Smith shares health update on boyfriend Max George after devastating open heart surgery

Former EastEnder Maisie Smith has opened up on the rollercoaster ride she and boyfriend Max George have been through his harrowing health ordeal – but also how it’s totally transformed their outlook on life

Maisie and her Wanted star boyfriend Max have had quite a rollercoaster time(Image: instagram/ @maisiesmithofficial)

Soap star-turned-musical theatre actress Maisie Smith has got a new outlook on life after witnessing her boyfriend Max George go through his harrowing health ordeal. The Wanted singer Max has undergone heart surgery twice over the past year after being diagnosed with an atrioventricular block, which caused his heart to beat abnormally.

Stopping for a chat with new during the Tric Awards at JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel in London last month, Maisie, who turns 24 this week, exclusively tells OK! her boyfriend’s health struggles have not only strengthened their tight bond, but transformed the choices they make in life.

READ MORE: Primark’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 summer dress looks ‘stunning on’

Max George and Maisie Smith attend The Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2023 at The Roundhouse on October 11 2023 in London
The couple live together in Max’s hometown of Manchester(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

“It has just made us realise how important life is and how much we’ve just got to live in the moment – you never know what’s around the corner,” says Maisie. “We’re definitely more impulsive now and we know that anything is possible. ”

Maisie, who rose to fame for her role in EastEnders, which she made her debut in at just six years old, has been in a relationship with Max since 2022. The couple met in 2020 while competing on Strictly Come Dancing, striking up a friendship during the show, which saw Maisie reach the final alongside her professional dance partner Gorka Márquez.

Max may not have been as successful on the dancefloor (he was voted out of Strictly in week four), but he did find lasting love with Maisie beyond the show and the pair eventually moved in together in Max’s hometown, Manchester.

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However, in what has been an undeniably scary year for the couple, Max underwent surgery in December when his heart condition left him in need of a pacemaker.

Max George giving a thumbs up whilst in a hospital gown lying in a bed.
Max’s health battle has made the couple more impulsive, says Maisie(Image: @maxgeorge/Instagram)

Following the operation, Max, 36, described the pacemaker as the “best Christmas present” he could have received. But after complications from the first surgery, he was forced to go back for another procedure two months later.

Sharing that it was successful, Max said at the time, “It turned out that one of the leads was placed too far into my heart. The second pacemaker surgery took about two hours. So far, it seems to have been a success and they kindly let me listen to Oasis the whole time. It’s been a setback, but it’s just one of those things. I’ve had a few complications the last couple of months but I’m having loads of tests to make sure everything is all good. I’m sure I’ll be back on top form in no time.”

Maisie is clearly hugely relieved that everything is OK with him. “Max is good – he’s getting stronger every day,” she says. “I’m so proud of how he’s handled it too. ”

Maisie smith in scene from eastenders in 2021
EastEnders will always be ‘home’, says the actress(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)

As we ask whether the situation has brought them any closer, Maisie laughs, saying, “It was pretty hard for us to get any closer to be honest – we’ve always been inseparable. ” Sharing that they’re heading to France for a getaway this summer, it seems things are finally looking up for the duo.

What began as a Strictly friendship, blossomed into romance after the pair grew closer on the show’s live arena tour. Their series of Strictly was broadcast during the height of Covid, with social distancing restrictions in place, but they both joined the first post-pandemic live tour in January 2022. In the summer of that year, they were spotted on holiday together in Crete and, as anyone who follows their Instagram accounts will know, they’ve been smitten with each other ever since.

Maisie is also busy in her professional life, which has seen her pursuing a musical theatre career, even working alongside Max. Most recently, she appeared in Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds with Max, where they play married couple Parson Nathaniel and his wife Beth, after Maisie played Belle in a pantomime version of Beauty And The Beast in Canterbury.

Maisei smith in black at tric awards
The star says theatre is still her ‘main focus’ right now(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

So, what’s next on the horizon? “I can’t actually tell you what I’m working on right now – I’m not allowed,” says Maisie. “But I’m still loving doing theatre and that’s my main focus. ”

As for the soap that propelled her to fame, she may have come a long way since playing Tiffany Butcher, but she maintains she still calls Albert Square home. “I always say with EastEnders, you never know,” she says. “Never say never about me returning. I grew up there and it is my home, but right now I’m loving doing my theatre work. ”

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Maisie may not be planning her grand return to the soap any time soon, but she did get the chance to catch up with some former co-stars as EastEnders bagged the Soap Of The Year gong at the ceremony. With stars such as Emma Barton in attendance, she says, “It’s been great catching up with people. That’s why I love award shows and things like this – you see people you haven’t seen in about 10 years.”

Maisie says she’s also used the opportunity to spend a girlie day with her mum, Julia, who is also her manager. “I’ve brought my mum along today,” she says. “I take her everywhere. ”

Princess Andre uses top UK brand to get her ‘natural and fluffy’ lashes

Princess Andre just walked fans through her beauty routine as she got glammed up to celebrate her 18th birthday – and she revealed her ‘natural and fluffy lashes’ are from this top brand

Princess Andre uses top UK brand to get her ‘natural and fluffy’ lashes(Image: Princess Andre/Instagram)

Always one to watch for affordable and glamorous beauty tips, Princess Andre is back at it again as she just shared another must-buy product. Showing off her enviable lashes, Princess revealed to fans what brand she used to get her “natural and fluffy” look.

Acting as the crown jewel of her eye makeup ahead of her 18th birthday celebration, Princess showed fans that she’d been using lengthening eyelash clusters from Eylure, a brand touted as the UK’s No. 1 when it comes to fake lashes. And in case you’re wondering how to copy Princess’ look, these lashes are not just affordable – they’re also on Amazon.

READ MORE: ‘I’m a teacher and this is the one gift to avoid giving as an end-of-year present’

READ MORE: Zara McDermott says this spray ‘saved her rosacea-inflamed skin’ while she was at Glastonbury

Princess Andre Instagram Post
Princess revealed the lashes she used on her Instagram story(Image: Princess Andre/Instagram)

Normally retailing for £8 for a pack of 36 clusters, in measurements 8mm, 10mm and 12mm, this multipack is now available on Amazon for the reduced price of £6.60 thanks to this early Prime Day deal. If you prefer to shop elsewhere, you can pick up the same pack from Claire’s for £7.50, Boots for £7 or for £8 from Lookfantastic.

Promising to deliver a fluffed-up look, these cluster false lashes are reusable up to five times and come with an eighteen-hour hold glue, for even the most dramatic to simple looks that last all day or night.

Unlike full false lashes, these fluffy cluster lashes offer the chance to completely customise your lash look. They’re versatile in the styles they can create and are perfect for above or under-lash applications. Letting you design a style that’s uniquely yours, Princess’ loved lashes are perfect for a half lash or adding length to the outer corner, depending on the look you’re going for.

Touted as super easy to apply and comfortable to wear for long stretches, these lashes are sure to transform your eye makeup with ease. Whether you’re heading off to celebrate a grand occasion, going into the office or just running errands, these lash clusters can seamlessly complete any full-face and stick with you all day.

Handmade and reusable, every lash pack contains up to five applications and comes with latex-free lash glue, which is guaranteed to last up to eighteen hours and be gentle on your own lashes when it comes to removal.

And it’s not just Princess who’s loving these cult-favourite lashes, as plenty of 5-star reviews pour in. One buyer beams: “I’ve tried a lot of false lashes over the years, but Eylure has truly earned a permanent spot in my beauty routine. Whether you’re going for a natural daytime look or full-on glam, Eylure offers a wide range of styles that cater to every occasion. What I Love: Easy Application: The lashes come with a high-quality adhesive that makes application quick and mess-free—even for beginners; Comfortable Wear: They’re lightweight and flexible, so they sit comfortably on the lash line without poking or lifting; Reusable: With proper care, I’ve been able to reuse a pair up to 5 times, which makes them super cost-effective; Natural Look: Even the more dramatic styles manage to look elegant rather than over-the-top. “

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Further praise comes from this customer who gushes: “Absolute bargain. These are really good quality, great style and easy to apply. The glue is good and sticks quick and doesnt dry up in the tube the second you use it. The lash style is more subtle than some but gives a really flirty / sexy eye look that i find looks good on most. “

Black Sabbath crowd boo ‘controversial’ supergroup at Ozzy Osbourne festival

The first supergroup of Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning festival were booed by some members of the event’s crowd yesterday due to one of its controversial members

Some fans at Black Sabbath’s festival weren’t impressed with one particular member of the celeb supergroup

The inaugural supergroup performance at the Black Sabbath gig yesterday received a polarised response, with a portion of the audience expressing their disapproval through boos. The concert saw some of the biggest names in metal and rock music come together to honour Ozzy Osbourne as he performed for the final time with Black Sabbath.

Huge music stars came together to perform a number of Black Sabbath’s hits at his Back to the Beginning festival – however as the first supergroup arrived on stage, some fans weren’t too impressed.

First supergroup on stage at Villa Park
First supergroup on stage at Villa Park

“We got our first supergroup of the day. Lzzy Hale is fronting it, one of the only – if not the only – woman on today’s bill,” Birmingham Live’s Kirsty Bosley reported.

“Members of Faith No More (Mike Bordin), Megadeth (David Ellefson) Ozzy Osbourne’s legendary guitarist Jake E Lee. They’re playing The Ultimate Sin by Ozzy. “

However, she noted that the entrance of a particular artist was met with negative reactions from the fans.

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She continued: “David Draiman from Disturbed is now joining them to huge boos from the crowd. He’s caused controversy with his political opinions online and the crowd are not welcoming.

“Despite boos, hands are still up in the air to clap along to the Draiman-fronted rendition of 1986 Ozzy track Shot In The Dark. “

Disturbed frontman David Draiman
Disturbed frontman David Draiman reportedly received boos when he took to the stage at Black Sabbath’s festival(Image: Getty Images)

Disturbed, widely recognised for their sombre cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence, found their vocalist David Draiman at the centre of controversy post-Glastonbury earlier this week.

Draiman released a video in which he criticised Bob Vylan after they chanted “death, death to the IDF” during their livestreamed set at Glastonbury.

Posting on his Instagram page, Draiman said: ” I just wanted to speak my mind a little bit about the events of this past weekend.

“No one should ever use any stage at any festival anywhere in the world to incite hatred and violence against anyone. I think it’s disgusting. I think it’s irresponsible and contrary to the whole reason people get together at these festivals to begin with.”

He added: “More importantly, just from a human perspective, what exactly do you really think you’re going to achieve here? You know, death to the IDF. Every citizen of the state of Israel has to serve. Every citizen.

“So you’re saying that the majority of world Jews should die, should be killed? That’s what you’re saying. Good luck with that. Iran saw how easy that wasn’t so I’m not sure what you want, what you’re trying to achieve other than virtue signalling and instant fame that this selling of Jew hatred has seen to gift everyone with these days. “

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The Mirror has reached out to David Draiman for comment.