Ozzy Osbourne & Black Sabbath: Emotional Farewell of a Legend

Last Saturday, the time had come: After 56 years of band history, Black Sabbath gave their very last concert in their original lineup at Villa Park Stadium in Birmingham. Over 40,000 enthusiastic fans flocked to witness this historic moment. The concert was the highlight of a ten-hour benefit festival under the motto "Back to the Beginning," where music greats like Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and Slayer performed to pay tribute to Black Sabbath. The spectacle was hosted by Hollywood star Jason Momoa, a self-confessed music fan.

The moment everyone was waiting for was when Ozzy Osbourne took the stage. Despite his Parkinson's disease, which has severely limited him in recent years and confined him to a specially made throne, his spirit was unbroken. "I was down for a damn six years. You can't imagine how I feel," a visibly moved Osbourne called out to his fans. Yet his voice and rock attitude had lost none of their distinctive power.

Emotional Highlights and Unforgettable Classics

The stadium held its breath as Ozzy began his solo hit "Mama, I'm Coming Home." Tears flowed as the crowd sang along to the emotional lines. He then reunited with founding members Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums) for an energetic performance of Black Sabbath classics like "War Pigs," "N.I.B.," and of course "Paranoid." It was a triumph of will and a demonstration of timeless rock history.

The entire "gigantic music day" was broadcast worldwide via livestream, reminiscent of legendary charity concerts like "Live Aid." It was not just a farewell, but also a celebration of a band that has forever changed the music world.

Black Sabbath: Pioneers of a Genre and Their Lasting Legacy

Black Sabbath, founded in 1968 and breaking through in 1970 with their self-titled debut album, are undeniably considered the pioneers of heavy metal. Their music—characterized by heavy, distorted guitar riffs, dark lyrics, and Ozzy's distinctive voice—radically broke with the conventions of rock at the time and created an entirely new sound. Entire generations of musicians have cited Black Sabbath as their greatest influence.

Ozzy Osbourne's personal journey, his highs and lows, his battles with health, and his unwavering passion for music make him one of the most fascinating figures in rock history. His farewell from the stage is not the end of his legend, but another significant milestone in an extraordinary artist's life. For fans in Vienna and around the world, all that remains is to bow before this icon and celebrate their incredible musical legacy.

Setlist Ozzy Osbourne:

Setlist Black Sabbath:

Marilyn Manson: Emotional Message to Ozzy Osbourne

A controversial moment marked the Black Sabbath farewell concert when a video message from Marilyn Manson was played. Manson, who described himself in his message as a long-time fan and friend of Ozzy Osbourne, congratulated the metal icon and expressed his appreciation. The video was played just a few weeks after Manson's planned tour kickoff in Brighton was canceled due to massive pressure from campaign groups and a member of parliament. The background involves numerous allegations of sexual abuse and physical violence against the musician, which were dismissed by US authorities in January 2025 due to lack of evidence and statute of limitations.

Questions and Answers About Ozzy Osbourne's Farewell

What illness does Ozzy Osbourne suffer from?

Parkinson's is a chronic neurological disorder that primarily affects movement ability. It leads to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowed movements, and balance disorders. Ozzy Osbourne was publicly diagnosed with the disease in 2020.

Is this really the final end of Black Sabbath?

Yes, the concert in Birmingham was the official and final performance of Black Sabbath in its original lineup. The band members have repeatedly emphasized that this is their final farewell from the live stage, due to age and health reasons.

What connects Ozzy Osbourne and Marilyn Manson?

Both artists share a fascination for dark, provocative themes and an anti-establishment attitude. They see in their music not only satanic or shocking elements but also a call for independent thinking and creativity outside the mainstream. Additionally, they share a long-standing friendship and mutual appreciation. Marilyn Manson has performed multiple times at the legendary Ozzfest, which was created by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne.

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