Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for what is expected to be his final performance tonight (Saturday, July 5) at the “Back To The Beginning” event held at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK.
The 76-year-old metal legend performed five songs with his solo band, featuring Zakk Wylde on guitar, Mike Inez on bass, Adam Wakeman on keyboards, and Tommy Clufetos on drums. Later in the night, he was joined by his original Black Sabbath bandmates – Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums) – for four of the band’s classic tracks: “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “N.I.B.,” and “Paranoid.”
Ozzy’s solo set included four songs from his iconic 1980 debut album Blizzard of Ozz – “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Suicide Solution,” and “Crazy Train” – along with the 1991 ballad “Mama, I’m Coming Home” from No More Tears.
Battling Parkinson’s disease, Ozzy sang while seated on a black throne and was visibly emotional throughout the performance. At one point, he addressed the audience, saying, “You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Over 40,000 fans attended the historic show, which also featured performances by Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb of God, and Anthrax. Profits from the event will be equally donated to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
