New £32million Eden Project attraction that will be fully underground to open in the UK
On the
4
The Eden Project Portland will be completely underground
Credit: Eden Project Portland
4
There will be a combination of carvings and cutting-edge technology
Credit: Eden Project Portland
While it might be the first time some are hearing of the project, the Eden Project Portland was brought up many years ago but was paused - until now.
The new Eden Project Portland will be a partnership between MEMO and the
Speaking on Radio Solent's Dorset Breakfast show, founder and project director of MEMO, Seb Brooke said: "I believe this is going to happen now, and now is absolutely the moment."
The planned project will be built in South Dorset inside disused mine and quarry tunnels.
Read More on Attractions
It has been called an"underground cathedral" where visitors will explore a combination of the ancient art of stone carving and cutting-edge technology.
The area will be transformed into an immersive space that will tell the story of life on Earth.
The Eden Project will also focus on the threats to biodiversity and how people can work towards a sustainable
The cost of the project has been estimated at £32.7million with an opening date planned for 2028.
Most read in News Travel
The first in a series of many consultation events took place in early July 2025.
Around the same time,
The huge new UK attraction opening in 2025 with play areas, live shows and cafes – and it's right on the beach
4
It will be built in disused quarry tunnels and mines
Credit: Eden Project Portland
He said it was a "hugely exciting project" and made clear that funding commitments will be made soon.
When the project was discussed in 2018, it was said that the attraction could bring 325,000 visitors a year to the isle and £24million to the local economy.
Up in
The
next
year, but work on the attraction is yet to start.
Plans for the site show three huge egg-shaped structures looking over Morecambe Bay.
Other images of the site reveal planned walkways linking treehouses together as well as other wooden structures.
It will also have a "hyper-real forest" with large installations and an immersive
theatre
.
The project was originally named
Here's more on the Eden Project resort set to open in the UK – with waterfront attractions, play areas and immersive shows.
And another
4
Plans have been revealed for the Eden Project Portland
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Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Extra.ie
Meet the Osbournes: The family tree of a heavy metal legend
Before the Kardashians, there was the Osbournes, who arguably paved the way for reality TV as viewers got a glimpse inside the life of Black Sabbath front man Ozzy Osbourne and his family. Ozzy Osbourne, known as The Prince of Darkness died on Tuesday (July 22) 'surrounded by love' at the age of 76 years old, a statement from his family confirmed. Ozzy battled Parkinson's disease since 2019. He is survived by his wife Sharon and six children — only his two youngest, Kellie and Jack, appeared on the family reality show. A tributes continue to pour in following the death of Ozzy, let's take a look at the Osbourne family tree… Ozzy Osbourne with his wife Sharon with their children Jack, Aimee and Kelly. Pic: Dave Hogan/Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948 in Aston, Birmingham, he left school at 15 years old and did odd jobs including factory work before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler in several bands. After a number of endeavours, Black Sabbath was formed (first called Earth but renamed due to a band of the same name). The band was made up of Geezer and Ozzy along with Tony Iommi and Bill Ward. The band released 19 albums, with Ozzy at the forefront of the heavy metal scene due to his role as lead singer. 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, Ozzy Osbourne left school at 15 years old and did odd jobs including factory work before teaming up with school friend Geezer Butler in several bands. Pic: Frank Lennon/Toronto Star via Getty Images Ozzy also had an illustrious solo career, releasing 13 albums, with his last, Patient Number 9, released in 2022. The musician married twice, first to Thelma Riley who he met in 1971. The couple share Jessica and Louis, with Ozzy later adopting Thelma's son from a previous relationship, Elliot. Ozzy and Thelma divorced in 1982, with the singer going on to marry his manager Sharon. The pair share three children — Aimee, Sharon and Jack with the younger two going on to star in The Osbournes with their parents from 2002 to 2005. Ozzy Osbourne died on Tuesday, July 22, just 17 days after the Black Sabbath reunion/farewell concert, Back to the Beginning. Pic:for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Sharon Levy (later adopted the name Arden) was the daughter of music promoter Don Arden, who was the manager to Black Sabbath way back when. When Don managed Black Sabbath, Sharon worked as his receptionist. Sharon and Ozzy started dating in 1979 and she took over his management, which was a point of anguish between herself and her father. In 2001, Sharon revealed her children had not and 'will never' meet their grandfather. They did later reconcile, however. Sharon and Ozzy started dating in 1979 and she took over his management, which was a point of anguish between herself and her father. Pic:Following the success of managing Ozzy, Sharon created Sharon Osbourne Management, with some of her clients including The Smashing Pumpkins and Gary Moore. Sharon's star was well and truly on the rise when The Osbournes began airing on MTV, which also aired her cancer battle. As well as a reality show and her own talk show, Sharon appeared as a judge from 2004 to 2007 on The X Factor. She returned for one season in 2013 and was a judge again from 2016 to 2017. Similar to her husband, Sharon has not been without her share of controversies with the latest taking place only this year when she called on Belfast rap group Kneecap's US visas to be revoked following their Coachella set. Sharon Osbourne on The X Factor. Pic: ITV/REX/Shutterstock Louis Osbourne, 50, is Ozzy's older son and his first of two kids from his marriage to Thelma Riley. While his father was a huge musician and his siblings typically pursued jobs in the spotlight, Louis has a bit of a quieter life in the UK where he works as a DJ and music producer. Resident Advisor revealed that it was a residency at Café Mambo from 1998 to 1999 where Louis got his name, with other performances taking place at Ibiza's Pacha as well as UK festival, Creamfields. The DJ is married to Louise, who he wed in 2003. It is reported that the children share one child, though little much else is known about the man who prefers to keep out of the spotlight. Louis paid tribute following the death of his father, changing his Facebook profile picture to a black square, prompting an influx of condolences from his friends. Ozzy Osbourne and his son Louis. Pic: Phillip Massey/FilmMagic Jessica, 46, is Ozzy's second child with Thelma Riley and is an actress. Jessica and her older brother were raised in the UK, while her father, step-mother and younger siblings were raised in the States. The actress has a number of acting credits including a stint in 2015 on Better Call Saul as well as Manhattan and The Messengers. The NY Post report that Jessica previously branded her childhood with Ozzy as 'very erratic' as he would be away for long periods of time and then there was a 'period of adjustment' when he returned — only for him to have to leave again. Ozzy Osbourne with his children Louis and Jessica. Pic: Staff/Mirrorpix/Getty Images Aimee, 41, is the oldest daughter to Ozzy and Sharon but opted out of appearing on the family reality show due to wanting to pursue a music career. In 2021, she admitted that appearing on the show felt like it would be 'extraordinarily nepotistic.' Aimee Osbourne and Ozzy Osbourne. Pic: Mark Sullivan/WireImage Aimee began releasing music in 2010 under the project name ARO, which is her initials (her middle name being Rachel). Her pop music is a huge difference to her late fathers. In 2016, the musician released three songs with an EP teased in 2018, though fans had to wait until 2020 for the album, Vacare Adamaré, to be released. Aimee has also had some acting gigs, appearing in Wuthering Heights in 2003 as well as voicing Amy Wrigglesworth in Postman Pat: The Movie in 2014. Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne, Aimee Osbourne and Jack Osbourne. Pic:Kelly shot to fame during the airing of The Osbournes from 2002 to 2005, with Kelly just 17 years old when filming first got underway. The now 40-year-old was hilarious in the show, depicting a typical teenager with her humour and teen angst. In 2002, Kelly released a debut album, Shut Up, followed by Sleep in Nothing in 2005. Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne. Pic:for The Recording Academy Kelly is also no stranger to appearing on the TV, guest judging an episode of Project Catwalk and appearing on Dancing with the Stars. The youngest daughter to the Osbournes has had a number of high profile relationships, but has now settled down with Slipknot DJ, Sid Wilson, who proposed to Kelly at Ozzy's final concert with Black Sabbath. The couple have been together since 2002, and share one son, Sidney. The youngest of the gang is Jack, 39, who has also tried his hand at acting back in the early 2000s, before he returned back to reality TV and hosting. His most recent credit is hosting Jack Osbourne's Haunted Holiday which aired last year. Similarly, Jack has competed in the US version of Dancing with the Stars, placing third in the 2011 season. Sharon Osbourne, Inductee, Ozzy Osbourne and Jack Osbourne are seen side stage. Pic:for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame The father-of-four has been sober since 2003. Jack married Lisa Stelly in October 2012, with the pair's daughter Pearl at the wedding. They went on to have two more children — Andy and Minnie — before their relationship ended. The pair announced their separation in 2018, with the divorce finalised in March 2019. In 2021, Jack got engaged to fashion designer Aree Gearhart, with the couple welcoming their daughter Maple, in July 2022. The TV presenter and host married for a second time in September 2023.
The Journal
4 days ago
- The Journal
Ozzy Osbourne: Music's Prince of Darkness and icon of heavy metal
A BEHEMOTH AMONG the monsters of rock music, Ozzy Osbourne will be best remembered for his showmanship and unique sound. A statement from his family today said he died at the age of 76 'surrounded by love'. He bid farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion in his final live performance earlier this month. The legendary rocker told thousands of heavy metal enthusiasts at Villa Park in Birmingham on 5 July that it was 'so good to be on this stage'. Ozzy Osbourne pictured ahead of his farewell concert in Villa Park in Birmingham Aston Villa Aston Villa 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. Band break-ups fuelled by disputes with fellow members and drug abuse and a well-documented battle with alcoholism cemented that reputation. He was also among the vanguard of now-ubiquitous modern reality TV stars, appearing with his family in the hit MTV show The Osbournes. Born John Michael Osbourne on 3 December 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. The pair then linked up with the other founder members of Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, to form what was then called Earth Blues Company – later shortened to Earth – in 1968. Black Sabbath pictured in 2005, left to right bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward, singer Ozzy Osbourne and guitarist Tony Iommi PA PA Initially a Mod who loved soul music, according to his biography on the band's official website, Osbourne crafted his darker image after writing lyrics for a song entitled Black Sabbath after the 1963 Boris Karloff film of the same name. The name stuck – after they were forced to change it from Earth – and the band went on to sell millions of records over the next decade on the back of sound-defining tracks including Paranoid and War Pigs. A product of their working-class roots and the post-Vietnam War era, the band tackled themes of war, social chaos and the supernatural. But drug use began to take its toll on Osbourne and his relationship with his fellow band members, and he was eventually fired in 1979. He launched a solo career, enjoying success during the 1980s, before reforming with Sabbath several times – including in 2016 for a final world tour. As a group, Black Sabbath are widely credited with defining and popularising the sound of heavy metal. As a solo artist, Osbourne released 11 albums, with his debut Blizzard Of Ozz issued in 1980, which featured two of his most revered songs, Crazy Train and Mr Crowley. The Birmingham-born singer sold more than 100 million records worldwide with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. In 2014, he was presented with a global icon award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Osbourne married his first wife Thelma Riley in 1971 and became a stepfather to her son. The couple also had two children but split in 1982 after, he admitted, his rock 'n roll lifestyle meant he put her 'through hell'. Kelly, Ozzy, Sharon and Jack Osbourne in 2015 He married Sharon, the daughter of his former Black Sabbath manager Don Arden, in July of that year. The pair had met in the 1970s via her father and she took over managing Osbourne after he was booted from the heavy metal group. Ozzy and Sharon had three children together: Jack, Kelly and Aimee. The couple became an unlikely hit after starring between 2002 and 2005 in The Osbournes, which also launched the careers of Jack and Kelly, but the pair temporarily split in 2016. Former X Factor judge Sharon later revealed they had tried marriage counselling to get their relationship back on track – but gave up because it made him angry. In 2017, during an interview with music magazine Rolling Stone, he joked that the secret to his marriage was 'don't get caught with your mistress'. He is quoted as telling Rolling Stone: 'When I was a crazy f*****, I'm lucky she didn't walk out. Now I'm coming on five years clean and sober, and I've realised what a f****** idiot I was. I mean, I'm still nuts, but in control of it a bit more.' Osbourne added: 'When I said, 'Don't get caught by your missus,' I'm not proud of all that s***. I upset my wife and I upset my family and I made a lot of shock and shame. I love my wife, and it made me realise what a f****** idiot I've been.' He also told the magazine he had taken up painting to relax and that he was 'obsessed with Game Of Thrones', the TV series based on George RR Martin's books. In 2016, he revealed he was undergoing 'intense therapy' for a 'sex addiction' that nearly resulted in the disintegration of his marriage but he later told The Times he was not a sex addict, saying: 'I'm in a f****** rock band, aren't I?' In 2017, he and Sharon renewed their wedding vows in Las Vegas. Advertisement Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne in 2018 PA PA Osbourne has also been a firm supporter of the health service, having been treated by NHS staff in 2003 after a near-fatal accident at his Buckinghamshire home left him with a fractured neck vertebra, fractured ribs and a broken collarbone. The singer often hit the headlines for his off-the-wall comments, like his quip about Brexit to the Big Issue magazine in 2018. 'People keep going on at me about that – is it a big deal over there?' he asked in an interview with the publication. He added: 'I don't read the newspapers and I don't really talk politics because I don't really know. I don't really understand Brexit.' In his later years Osbourne attempted to press on with his rock career, but was hampered several times by illness and injury. In early February 2019, Sharon revealed he had been admitted to hospital after suffering from flu. She said her husband had experienced 'complications' from the illness and doctors advised him to go to hospital. Sharon tweeted: 'As some of you may have heard, Ozzy was admitted to hospital following some complications from the flu. 'His doctors feel this is the best way to get him on a quicker road to recovery. Thanks to everyone for their concern and love.' The illness led to him cancelling a string of tour dates while he recovered, including postponing the UK and European legs of his No More Tours 2. A tweet from his official account said planned performances in Australia, New Zealand and Japan had also been axed. In October 2018, he insisted he was not retiring, telling Rolling Stone: 'In essence, what I'm trying to do is slow my lifestyle down to a more comfortable way of living.' But within months he was forced to postpone another string of tour dates – including a show at the famous Hollywood Bowl – after suffering a fall at his Los Angeles home in April 2019. In November 2019, he returned to the stage for a one-song performance at the American Music Awards alongside rappers Post Malone and Travis Scott. The trio performed the song Take What You Want, from Malone's album Hollywood's Bleeding, although Osbourne spent most of the performance sat immobile in a gothic-style throne towards the back of the stage. Ozzy Osbourne in concert at Wembley Arena in 2007 PA PA Another blow came in January 2020 when the singer revealed on US television that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which was discovered by doctors after a fall. Sharon, who was at his side during the Good Morning America interview, said the diagnosis was 'not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination'. She added: 'But it does affect certain nerves in your body. And it's like you have a good day, a good day, and then a really bad day.' The musician was revealed to have a rare form of the disease called Parkin 2, which he had since birth. In May 2022 Sharon shared the news that Ozzy had tested positive for Covid, and just days later she too tested positive. In August that year he made a surprise appearance onstage in his home city of Birmingham to close out the 2022 Commonwealth Games, backed by Black Sabbath as fireworks lit up the sky. But early in 2023 he announced via a lengthy statement on social media that following extensive spinal surgery he was not 'physically capable' of doing his tour dates in Europe and the UK. He said his singing voice was fine but that, following three operations, stem cell treatments, physical therapy sessions and more, his body was 'still weak'. Osbourne was scheduled to return to the stage in October 2023 at the Power Trip music festival in Indio, California, alongside other rock powerhouses including Metallica, AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Guns N' Roses. However in July he once again was forced to bow out, saying he had been 'optimistic' about a summer return but did not want the show to be 'half-assed'. Osbourne did not return to touring in 2024, but was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for a second time, one of the few to be given the honour. He also took aim at US rapper Kanye West that same year, for sampling a Black Sabbath song after being refused permission, and Osbourne referred to his remarks about Jewish people. Osbourne said on social media he did not want to be associated with West as he has brought 'untold heartache to many'. He bid farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion in his final live performance earlier this month. Villa Park for Ozzy Osbourne's final performance The legendary rocker told thousands of heavy metal enthusiasts at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5 that it was 'so good to be on this stage' as he performed his last set from a large black throne. Osbourne and his fellow original Black Sabbath members – Iommi, Butler and Ward – were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back to the Beginning concert. Among the bands performing were Anthrax, Metallica and Guns N'Roses, and there were messages of thanks from other celebrities, including Jack Black, Ricky Gervais and Dolly Parton. Huge inflatable Ozzy Osbourne outside Villa Park before his final show Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo In an emotional moment, 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.'
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
Ozzy Osbourne: From factory worker to music's Prince of Darkness
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. Band break-ups fuelled by disputes with fellow members and drug abuse and a well-documented battle with alcoholism cemented that reputation. He was also among the vanguard of now-ubiquitous modern reality TV stars, appearing with his family in the hit MTV show The Osbournes. 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. The pair then linked up with the other founder members of Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, to form what was then called Earth Blues Company - later shortened to Earth - in 1968. Initially a Mod who loved soul music, according to his biography on the band's official website, Osbourne crafted his darker image after writing lyrics for a song entitled Black Sabbath after the 1963 Boris Karloff film of the same name. The name stuck - after they were forced to change it from Earth - and the band went on to sell millions of records over the next decade on the back of sound-defining tracks including Paranoid and War Pigs. A product of their working-class roots and the post-Vietnam War era, the band tackled themes of war, social chaos and the supernatural. But drug use began to take its toll on Osbourne and his relationship with his fellow band members, and he was eventually fired in 1979. ADVERTISEMENT He launched a solo career, enjoying success during the 1980s, before reforming with Sabbath several times - including in 2016 for a final world tour. As a group, Black Sabbath are widely credited with defining and popularising the sound of heavy metal. As a solo artist, Osbourne released 11 albums, with his debut Blizzard Of Ozz issued in 1980, which featured two of his most revered songs, Crazy Train and Mr Crowley. The Birmingham-born singer sold more than 100 million records worldwide with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. In 2014, he was presented with a global icon award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Osbourne married his first wife Thelma Riley in 1971 and became a stepfather to her son. The couple also had two children but split in 1982 after, he admitted, his rock 'n roll lifestyle meant he put her "through hell". He married Sharon, the daughter of his former Black Sabbath manager Don Arden, in July of that year. The pair had met in the 1970s via her father and she took over managing Osbourne after he was booted from the heavy metal group. Ozzy and Sharon had three children together: Jack, Kelly and Aimee. The couple became an unlikely hit after starring between 2002 and 2005 in The Osbournes, which also launched the careers of Jack and Kelly, but the pair temporarily split in 2016. Former X Factor judge Sharon later revealed they had tried marriage counselling to get their relationship back on track - but gave up because it made him angry. In 2017, during an interview with music magazine Rolling Stone, he joked that the secret to his marriage was "don't get caught with your mistress". He is quoted as telling Rolling Stone: "When I was a crazy f*****, I'm lucky she didn't walk out. Now I'm coming on five years clean and sober, and I've realised what a f****** idiot I was. I mean, I'm still nuts, but in control of it a bit more." Osbourne added: "When I said, 'Don't get caught by your missus,' I'm not proud of all that s***. I upset my wife and I upset my family and I made a lot of shock and shame. I love my wife, and it made me realise what a f****** idiot I've been." He also told the magazine he had taken up painting to relax and that he was "obsessed with Game Of Thrones", the TV series based on George RR Martin's books. In 2016, he revealed he was undergoing "intense therapy" for a "sex addiction" that nearly resulted in the disintegration of his marriage but he later told The Times he was not a sex addict, saying: "I'm in a f****** rock band, aren't I?" In 2017, he and Sharon renewed their wedding vows in Las Vegas. Osbourne has also been a firm supporter of the health service, having been treated by NHS staff in 2003 after a near-fatal accident at his Buckinghamshire home left him with a fractured neck vertebra, fractured ribs and a broken collarbone. The singer often hit the headlines for his off-the-wall comments, like his quip about Brexit to the Big Issue magazine in 2018. "People keep going on at me about that - is it a big deal over there?" he asked in an interview with the publication. He added: "I don't read the newspapers and I don't really talk politics because I don't really know. I don't really understand Brexit." In his later years Osbourne attempted to press on with his rock career, but was hampered several times by illness and injury. In early February 2019, Sharon revealed he had been admitted to hospital after suffering from flu. She said her husband had experienced "complications" from the illness and doctors advised him to go to hospital. Sharon tweeted: "As some of you may have heard, Ozzy was admitted to hospital following some complications from the flu. "His doctors feel this is the best way to get him on a quicker road to recovery. Thanks to everyone for their concern and love." The illness led to him cancelling a string of tour dates while he recovered, including postponing the UK and European legs of his No More Tours 2. A tweet from his official account said planned performances in Australia, New Zealand and Japan had also been axed. In October 2018, he insisted he was not retiring, telling Rolling Stone: "In essence, what I'm trying to do is slow my lifestyle down to a more comfortable way of living." But within months he was forced to postpone another string of tour dates - including a show at the famous Hollywood Bowl - after suffering a fall at his Los Angeles home in April 2019. In November 2019, he returned to the stage for a one-song performance at the American Music Awards alongside rappers Post Malone and Travis Scott. The trio performed the song Take What You Want, from Malone's album Hollywood's Bleeding, although Osbourne spent most of the performance sat immobile in a gothic-style throne towards the back of the stage. Another blow came in January 2020 when the singer revealed on US television that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which was discovered by doctors after a fall. Sharon, who was at his side during the Good Morning America interview, said the diagnosis was "not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination". She added: "But it does affect certain nerves in your body. And it's like you have a good day, a good day, and then a really bad day." The musician was revealed to have a rare form of the disease called Parkin 2, which he had since birth. In May 2022, Sharon shared the news that Ozzy had tested positive for Covid, and just days later she too tested positive. In August that year he made a surprise appearance onstage in his home city of Birmingham to close out the 2022 Commonwealth Games, backed by Black Sabbath as fireworks lit up the sky. But early in 2023 he announced via a lengthy statement on social media that following extensive spinal surgery he was not "physically capable" of doing his tour dates in Europe and the UK. He said his singing voice was fine but that, following three operations, stem cell treatments, physical therapy sessions and more, his body was "still weak". Osbourne was scheduled to return to the stage in October 2023 at the Power Trip music festival in Indio, California, alongside other rock powerhouses including Metallica, AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Guns N' Roses. However in July he once again was forced to bow out, saying he had been "optimistic" about a summer return but did not want the show to be "half-assed". Osbourne did not return to touring in 2024, but was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame for a second time, one of the few to be given the honour. He also took aim at US rapper Kanye West that same year, for sampling a Black Sabbath song after being refused permission, and Osbourne referred to his remarks about Jewish people. Osbourne said on social media he did not want to be associated with West as he has brought "untold heartache to many". He bid farewell to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion in his final live performance earlier this month. The legendary rocker told thousands of heavy metal enthusiasts at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5 that it was "so good to be on this stage" as he performed his last set from a large black throne. Osbourne and his fellow original Black Sabbath members - Iommi, Butler and Ward - were the last to appear on stage as part of a star-studded line-up for the Back to the Beginning concert. Among the bands performing were Anthrax, Metallica and Guns N'Roses, and there were messages of thanks from other celebrities, including Jack Black, Ricky Gervais and Dolly Parton. In an emotional moment, 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."
