Ozzy Osbourne's final post as Prince of Darkness dies surrounded by family
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.
It's simply a poster stating "Ozzy Osbourne, Back to the beginning", featuring an image of Black Sabbath. This moving post, shared before the announcement of his death today, sparked a flood of tributes to the star, originally from Aston.
The Prince of Darkness was with his family and 'surrounded by love' when he died on Tuesday, July 22. The Black Sabbath legend, known to millions had been battling ill-health in recent years, which caused him to finally bow out of his performing career.
The Changes musician was suffering from Parkinson's disease in the lead-up to his death. He underwent a strict training programme in order to be able to headline a giant show in Birmingham called Back To The Beginning on July 5.
In the build-up to the show, Ozzy's wife Sharon said: 'Ozzy's working with his therapist every single day. He's doing really well, actually. Ozzy's number one thing in life is his fans, so he's working hard to be ready for them, to make this show the perfect way to end things.'
Last year, Ozzy was not well enough to perform at the band's Rock'N'Roll Hall of Fame induction in America. At the Back To The Beginning show, Ozzy performed on a black throne as he was unable to stand.
Ozzy, who has undergone multiple back and neck surgeries, moved in a specialist rehab therapist in Los Angeles to try to help him stand for several minutes on stage, walk more freely and feel better balanced.
In an emotional moment at Back To The Beginning, Osbourne said: 'I don't know what to say, man, I've been laid up for like six years. "You have no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart," he told the crowd as he addressed them for what is now the final time.
When asked about his farewell performance, the music icon commented: "It's a goodbye as far as my live performances go, and what a way to go out."
Speaking about what would be his last show, the late legend said: "It's my final encore; it's my chance to say thank you to my fans for always supporting me and being there for me. I couldn't have done my final show anywhere else. I had to go back to the beginning."
As frontman of Black Sabbath, he was at the forefront of the heavy metal scene – a deeper, darker offshoot of hard rock. His theatrical stage presence, including once biting off the head of a bat, and styling himself as the Prince of Darkness marked him out as a controversial figure.
Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, he left school at 15 and did odd jobs including factory work before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler in several bands.
Ozzy's heartbroken family confirmed he died surrounded by his loved ones.
Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis said: " 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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis."
Heartbroken fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late legend. One heartbroken fan said on X: "RIP Ozzy Osbourne #Ozzy." A second went on to write: "Rip Ozzy, condolences to the Osbornes."
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