After decades of surviving the tumultuous world of rock and roll, including battles with addiction, run-ins with the law, life-threatening accidents, and the challenges of Parkinson's disease, legendary musician Ozzy Osbourne is gearing up to perform for his devoted fans one last time. Known as the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy's legacy is intertwined with that of Black Sabbath, the band that forged the heavy metal sound that has influenced countless artists across generations.
Throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, Ozzy Osbourne became synonymous with the wild rock star lifestyle. His antics, which included swigging alcohol, using drugs, and engaging in outrageous behavior, solidified his place in the annals of rock history. Among his most infamous moments was the notorious act of biting the heads off bats and doves, which became a hallmark of his rebellious persona. In the early 2000s, Ozzy and his family gained newfound fame through reality television, showcasing their chaotic yet affectionate home life, which resonated with audiences worldwide.
This Saturday, the 76-year-old Ozzy Osbourne will reunite with his original Black Sabbath bandmates for a farewell concert titled Back to the Beginning. This highly anticipated all-day stadium show at Villa Park in Birmingham features an incredible lineup of heavy metal bands, including Metallica, Slayer, and members of Guns N' Roses and Rage Against the Machine. Described as the greatest heavy metal lineup ever, this show not only highlights Ozzy's impact on music but also takes him back to his roots, as it takes place just a stone's throw from his childhood home in Aston.
Ozzy's journey in music began with humble beginnings. As a young man, he charged match-goers half a shilling to mind their cars on match days. He later advertised for a band in a local record shop, leading to the formation of Black Sabbath alongside schoolfriend and guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. While other bands had experimented with a heavy sound, Black Sabbath set the template for what would become known as heavy metal, combining pounding rhythms, deep rock riffs, and dark imagery.
Ozzy's influence on music and culture is undeniable. Fans like Joe Porter, 47, from Birmingham, recognize the band's humble beginnings and their evolution into global superstars. "They started from absolutely nothing," he reflects, admiring murals of the band painted throughout the city in anticipation of the concert. Another fan, 21-year-old Byron Howard-Maarij, expresses excitement about the band's return to their origins, stating, "I'm a massive metal fan, so the fact that the originators are coming back to where it all started is really exciting."
According to Toby Watley, director of collections at Birmingham Museums, Ozzy's genuine nature is a significant part of his appeal. He remains a working-class lad from Aston, and fans appreciate his authenticity. The ongoing exhibition at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery features artifacts loaned by Ozzy and his wife, Sharon Osbourne, showcasing his impressive career achievements, including three Grammys and two Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame trophies.
Ozzy's legendary status is marked by a series of notorious antics, including the infamous bat incident in 1982, where he mistakenly bit the head off a live bat on stage, believing it to be a prop. His behavior has often crossed the line into chaos, from being arrested for urinating on the Alamo to blacking out on a freeway. These incidents contributed to his larger-than-life persona, but they also masked deeper struggles with addiction and personal demons.
Despite his storied career, Ozzy Osbourne's health has taken a toll in recent years. After a serious quad bike accident in 2003 and a later spinal injury, fans are anxious to see how he will perform on stage during his final concert. Sharon Osbourne has confirmed that this farewell show will indeed be his last, though Ozzy has humorously remarked that he may retire only when he hears them "nail a lid on my box."
As Ozzy prepares for this emotional farewell, his legacy in the world of heavy metal remains indelible. His influence, authenticity, and wild persona have not only shaped the genre but have also inspired generations of music lovers. Fans eagerly await what promises to be a legendary final performance, a tribute to a career that has defied the odds and redefined the rock star image.
