Ozzy Osbourne’s final post as Prince of Darkness dies surrounded by family

Birmingham-born Black Sabbath legend, who was born on July 22, passed away just days after the band’s final show in their hometown of Birmingham, where fans are paying tribute tonight.

Ozzy Osbourne’s last social media post has taken on a particularly poignant tone following his very recent return to Birmingham less than three weeks before his sad death.

The city’s Prince of Darkness died just days after the final Black Sabbath gig in his hometown, which is paying tribute tonight. Ozzy’s last Instagram post, made just 24 hours ago, starkly acknowledges this.

A simple poster with the words “Ozzy Osbourne, Back to the beginning” and “Black Sabbath,” is displayed. The star, who was originally from Aston, was the subject of a flood of tributes following his death’s announcement today.

The Prince of Darkness passed away on July 22 while surrounded by his family and “surrounded by love.” The Black Sabbath legend, who is well-known worldwide, had recently been battling ill health, which led him to ultimately withdraw from his acting career.

Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76(Image: Getty Images)

In the weeks leading up to his death, the musician had Parkinson’s disease. He completed a rigorous training program to play a sizable show in Birmingham on July 5th, dubbed Back To The Beginning.

Sharon, Ozzy’s wife, stated in the run-up to the show that “Ozzy’s is working with his therapist daily.” He’s actually doing really well. Because his fans are his number one priority in life, Ozzy is working hard to make this show the ideal ending for it.

Ozzy missed the Rock ‘N’Roll Hall of Fame induction in America last year because of his health. Ozzy was unable to stand during the Back To the Beginning performance. He performed on a black throne.

Ozzy, who has had numerous back and neck surgeries, requested assistance from a specialized rehab therapist in Los Angeles to allow him to stand on stage for a while, walk more freely, and feel more balanced.

Ozzy performed his last ever gig on July 5
Ozzy performed his last ever gig on July 5(Image: PR Supplied)

Osbourne said, “I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years,” during an emotional moment at Back To The Beginning. As he addressed the audience for what is now their final time, “You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

When asked about his emotional farewell performance, the music legend responded, “It’s a goodbye, and what a way to go out. “

The late musician described his final encore as “my chance to thank my fans for always supporting me and being there for me” in a statement about what would be his final performance. Where else could I put on my final performance? I had to return to the beginning.

He was the frontman of Black Sabbath, a deeper, darker branch of hard rock, at the forefront of the heavy metal movement. He became a controversial figure thanks to his theatrical acting, including once staging himself as the Prince of Darkness and once biting off the head of a bat.

Ozzy died surrounded by his family
Ozzy died surrounded by his family(Image: FilmMagic)

John Michael Osbourne, who was born on December 3 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, left school when he was 15 and worked in odd jobs, including factory jobs, before collaborating with friend Geezer Butler in various bands.

Ozzy’s devastated family confirmed that his death was surrounded by his loved ones.

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Our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning, according to Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis. He was surrounded by love and his family. At this time, we ask that everyone respects our family’s privacy. “Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.

Fans of the late legend have taken to social media to express their condolences. On X, a heartbroken fan wrote, “RIP Ozzy Osbourne #Ozzy. “Rip Ozzy, condolences to the Osbornes,” a second wrote.

‘I went to Ozzy Osbourne’s last gig – it was the perfect send off that was written in the stars’

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.

Ozzy Osbourne on stage during his final performance with Black Sabbath (Image: PR Supplied)

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.

Black Sabbath in 1970
Black Sabbath in 1970(Image: WireImage)

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.

Ozzy with Guns N' Roses
Ozzy with Guns N’ Roses(Image: Instagram)

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.

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Ireland seal T20 series victory against Zimbabwe

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Dublin, Ireland, Second Twenty20 International

Ireland 176-4 (20 overs) Lewis 87, Prendergast 52, Makusha 2-30

Zimbabwe 111-all out (20 overs) Ndlovu 46, Murray 3-17, Paul 2-9

Ireland defeats England by 65 runs.

Match results display

With a 65-run victory at Sydney Parade in Dublin, Ireland won the three-match Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe.

Ireland finished the series win with a game to spare thanks to another impressive performance following Sunday’s six-wicket victory.

Zimbabwe won the toss and sent Ireland into bat, but they were unable to stop Gaby Lewis, who hit an additional player-of-the-match performance to hit 87, despite getting off to a strong start when Amy Hunter was caught lbw for one.

Before being bowled by Kelis Ndlovu, Orla Prendergast had a 52-run lead.

Rebecca Stokell was 11 as the tourists were a target of 176, while Leah Paul contributed 20.

Zimbabwe lost Modester Mupachikwa in the third over despite stout opposition from Ndlovu, who added 46 runs for the match. Prendergast and Paul each added two as Zimbabwe’s challenge faded.

Ireland’s women’s T20 cricket record includes Hunter’s four wicketkeeper dismissals as a result.

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Ozzy Osbourne’s secret first wife that he ‘put through hell’ before falling for Sharon

In the late 1960s, Ozzy Osbourne married his first wife Thelma Riley, but their relationship was marred by his early success, substance abuse, and family strain.

Ozzy Osbourne’s secret first wife that he ‘put through hell’ before falling for Sharon(Image: Getty Images)

Before Ozzy Osbourne became the ‘Prince of Darkness’ and a global rock icon, he was married to Thelma Riley, his first wife and the mother of two of his children.

The rocker, who had sadly died at the age of 76, first met Thelma in the late 1960s when she was working as a teacher and Ozzy was still trying to establish himself in the music world. They married in 1971, during the early days of Black Sabbath’s rise to fame, and before Ozzy fell head over heels for his second wife, Sharon Osbourne.

Jessica and Louis were the parents of their two children, and Ozzy also adopted Elliot, the son of Thelma from a previous union.

However, Ozzy had previously openly acknowledged in interviews that during his marriage to Thelma, he had not been the ideal partner or parent. His escalating fame, heavy drinking, and drug use contributed to a chaotic and unstable home life.

Ozzy's first wife Thelma Riley and her three children
Ozzy’s first wife Thelma Riley and her three children(Image: mirrorpix)

Ozzy acknowledged that he wasn’t present and was consumed by his addictions in his autobiography, calling their union a “mistake.” After the couple split in 1982, Ozzy regretted how badly he treated Thelma and his children, acknowledging how destructive his lifestyle was at the time.

Although Thelma has largely remained unmarried, her relationship with Ozzy marked a turbulent but significant turning point for him. Ozzy quickly began to look for Sharon after his marriage to Thelma ended.

Sharon first met Ozzy when her father worked as Black Sabbath’s manager. Ozzy was expelled from the rock band in 1979, and Sharon took over as his manager. The pair started dating in 1979.

In 1982, the couple tied the knot in Maui, Hawaii, but a report that Ozzy had been having a four-year affair with a hair stylist caused controversy. The Black Sabbath star entered sex addiction rehab after a brief breakup.

Ozzy Osbourne married Sharon in 1979
Ozzy Osbourne married Sharon in 1979(Image: Getty Images)

By the end of the summer of 2016, Sharon and Ozzy had already renewed their engagement and rekindled communication. Aimée and Kelly, their daughters, and Jack, their son, are their children.

Celebrity Big Brother icon Sharon previously revealed that she took an overdose after finding out her husband had cheated on her in 2016. The TV star 72, revealed she was left heartbroken after learning of the Black Sabbath star’s affair with hairdresser Michelle Pugh.

Between 2012 and 2016, it is said that the fling occurred over four years. Sharon previously addressed the scandal at her London-based show Sharon Osbourne: Cut the Crap. The mother-of-three said she had to end their 34-year marriage after learning about Ozzy’s infidelity.

Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76
Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76(Image: Getty Images)

Sharon later forgave Ozzy for his affair a few months after trying to put an end to the heartache by taking a number of pills. She has since followed the rocker and continued to care for him throughout a number of serious health issues, including his nearly debilitating Parkinson’s diagnosis, which he received in 2020.

Sharon described the situation as “he always, always had groupies and I was so used to that” in a conversation with Loose Women’s Jane Moore last year. However, as you become more emotionally invested, it is completely different when he knows the person’s name, address, and place of employment.

Sharon said on the show, “I took, I don’t know how many pills,” when she described her overdose following her discovery of the devastating affair. I simply thought, “My kids are older, healthy, and capable of taking care of themselves.” I then overdosed and hid in my bedroom. The maid tried to enter the room and saw me.

The Samaritans have a free helpline that is available 24/7, accessible at 116 123, for those who are struggling and need to talk. You can also contact Jo at jo@samaritans.org or visit their website to find your neighborhood branch.

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Nigeria beat holders South Africa to reach Wafcon final

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Nigeria defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1 in the dramatic stoppage-time winner to advance to Saturday’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

Andile Dlamini, the West African team’s goalkeeper, was denied by Michelle Alozie’s delivery from deep into the box in the 94th minute to maintain the West Africans’ hopes of securing a record-extending 10th continental title.

After Bambanani Mbane was fined for handling Folashade Ijamilusi’s shot, the Super Falcons took the lead in Casablanca with Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty on the stroke of half-time.

However, in the second half, the hosts rallied and scored on the hour mark with a composed Linda Motlhalo spot-kick that Osinachi Ohale won when she tugged back Hildah Magaia.

The Nigerians were the first to concede at the championships this year, and it set their sights on that.

With six minutes left, South Africa had to deal with a serious-looking injury to Gabriela Salgado, but Alozie struck just as it appeared the game was moving into extra time, causing jubilant cheers.

Mission X continues to succeed.

After getting a day’s worth of rest from their opponents, South Africa made a nervy start at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, winning their quarter-final match against Senegal with extra time and penalties.

In the eleventh minute, Dlamini saved Esther Okoronkwo’s save before center-back Tiisetso Makhubela both headed clear and blocked Chinwendu Ihezuo’s follow-up in front of the goalline.

After losing Makhubela to injury midway through the second half, South Africa was forced to reorganize, but it appeared to be on course for victory before Ijamilusi fired an effort past Mbane, who was just two yards away.

In the first minute of the second half, Dlamini almost gave her rivals another goal with a cross she dropped just yards out, but the effort had enough power to put Nigeria ahead.

South Africa, who had rarely threatened, were given a chance to return to the content by a defensive lapse in concentration, which VAR confirmed.

The final fifteen minutes of Motlhalo’s game, which included a fiercely contested and tense final quarter, were set up by Motlhalo when Chiamaka Nnadozie was sent the wrong way from the spot.

In the 73rd minute, Noxolo Cesane almost opened the scoring with a powerful cross from the left, but her effort was shoo over the line, and Ohale triumphantly cleared.

Six minutes of stoppage time was slowed down by Salgado’s injury after a scramble in the box caused a number of Banyana players to be in clear distress before she was taken off on a stretcher.

Alozie’s lofted delivery appeared hopeful but sprang just outside the six-yard box. Despite Fikile Magama’s desperate efforts, the ball ended up in the net due to the onrushing performances of Ihezuo and Deborah Abiodun, who were on the receiving end.

Abiodun eventually won the goal from the Super Falcons right-back, but replays revealed she didn’t receive a touch.

South Africa put in a strong performance despite the injury setbacks they faced throughout the match, which was harsh on them.

Under coach Desiree Ellis, whose future is uncertain after nine years in charge, they had been competing for the title and third successive final.

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  • Football
  • Women’s Football