The world is mourning the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who took the stage for one final performance with Black Sabbath just two weeks before his death.
The show, titled Back to the Begging, featured the rock legend as he belted out some of his classics with Black Sabbath on July 5 at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, England … a significant location considering the band was formed very close to there back in 1968.
Back to the Beginning featured a slew of rock and roll heavyweights including Alice in Chains, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera and Tool. Tom Morello served as the concert’s musical director, and also took the stage with Tom Morello’s All Stars.
Of course the main event was Ozzy, who performed from a throne, unable to stand because of his battle with Parkinson’s Disease. The 76-year-old performed some of his greatest hits including “Mama I’m Coming Home” and “Crazy Train.”
Then, for the first time since 2005, Ozzy and Black Sabbath’s original lineup including Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward took the stage to perform songs like “War Pigs,” “Ironman” and “Paranoid.”
45,000 lucky fans got to see the show live in person, and millions streamed it online via pay per view.
In an especially touching video shared from backstage, Ozzy’s daughter, Kelly Osbourne, got engaged to Sid Wilson of the band Slipknot. Ozzy and his wife, Sharon, were present for the special moment … one Kelly was clearly not expecting.
Ozzy’s family announced his death Tuesday, July 22 with a statement that read, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
