Ozzy Osbourne Performing Final Gig From Throne ‘Last Thing He Would Have Wanted,' Says Black Sabbath Bandmate
Iommi was speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today program on Wednesday (July 23) about the Back to The Beginning concert on July 5 in Birmingham, England, the all-star performance at Villa Park that featured the final live performances of Black Sabbath and Ozzy, alongside guest appearances from Metallica, Slayer, Guns N' Roses and many more.
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Osbourne performed nine tracks in total at the event while sat on an epic black throne decorated with a motif of a bat. In his final years, Osbourne battled a number of illnesses and injuries, including Parkinson's disease which impacted his mobility.
Speaking on the show, Iommi was asked how he'd remember Osbourne and his performances. 'I think of him and the fun we had really. That's what was weird about doing this [final] show because Ozzy was seated in a throne, you know, and that's the last thing that Ozzy would have ever wanted to be but it had to,' he said. 'Normally he's bouncing around on stage and coming up to me and pulling faces. You know, he'd always have a laugh. And it was the same with [Geezer Butler], it's always been like that forever and we always jeered each other on.'
He continued, 'It was always good fun, even though we take the music seriously, we did make each other laugh during the set. I've always known him like that, I've known him since we were at school together. He was in a younger [school] year to me, probably a nuisance I should think! But his character is the way he's always been and Ozzy's never really changed and he's always been him which is great.'
Ozzy's passing was announced on Tuesday by his family who said he was 'surrounded by love' in his final moments. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
His Sabbath bandmates – Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – shared statements discussing their friend's passing and their final performance. Iommi wrote, 'I just can't believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It's such heartbreaking news that I can't really find the words. There won't ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz.'
Bassist Butler referenced the band's show at Villa Park (home to local soccer team Aston Villa F.C.) in his post. 'Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years. We had some great fun. Four kids from Aston — who'd have thought, eh?' he wrote. 'So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.'
Drummer Ward also shared a touching tribute: 'Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls. No, you're forever in my heart. Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP. Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever.'
The band's official social media accounts posted a striking image of Osbourne from their farewell show, captioned simply: 'Ozzy Forever.' The Back to the Beginning concert raised approximately $190 million (£140 million) to various local charities according to the show's musical director Tom Morello. The concert was livestreamed and will appear in cinemas in 2026.
A number of music greats have honored Ozzy, including Metallica, Elton John, Foo Fighters and more. Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Dave Matthews Band, and more all incorporated covers of Black Sabbath material into their live performances following the news.
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