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Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Sharon Osbourne's tireless act of love for Ozzy that saved his finale concert
The Black Sabbath star's wife pulled out all the stops to get him on stage, say insiders Ozzy Osbourne's final performance in his home city almost never happened. The rock legend was warned that insurers would not cover the show if he pursued his dream of standing to say goodbye to his devoted fans, we can reveal. But Ozzy 's determined wife Sharon waged a secret battle with the insurance agents – and overcame any potential issues by seating the Black Sabbath frontman in a throne for his five solo tracks and four Sabbath tunes. Ozzy, who died on Tuesday at the age of 76, just two weeks after the show, had vowed to 'get back on that stage no matter what'. However, an LA promoter said the superstar was effectively banned from any on stage movement during the charity show by insurance firms. It prompted concerns that the Back To The Beginning gig, at Villa Park in Birmingham, would be axed. Ozzy had spent over a year working with physios, trainers and specialists to be able to put on a show for fans after his health battles. Our insider said: 'It is heartbreaking to think about the stress that Ozzy and Sharon went through in those last few weeks. Ozzy had worked his a** off to get himself to a place where he could at least stand up and wave to fans. But for shows of that magnitude, if the artists do not meet the insurers' satisfaction of risk liability then the show doesn't go ahead. 'With the Parkinson's and the walking issues, no insurance agent would agree to let Oz stand. So to overcome that, and not have a huge insurance premium on the charity show, they secured a deal to have him safely locked in his throne. It was a brilliant compromise. It really speaks so much to Sharon's drive and focus to get it all pulled off, because of the liability issues. She was a miracle worker.' Ozzy had spoken of being in heavy duty training sessions three times daily to 'be ready to play'. He even said a personal trainer moved into his home. Ozzy was last seen walking slowly inside and outside of the Comic Con Midlands at Birmingham's NEC. He had a walking stick but moved slowly unaided as wife Sharon and son Jack were seen by members of the public with him a week before his death. Sabbath band mate Tommy Iommi touched on the last minute stresses and technical challenges during an interview with Sirius XM after BTTB. He revealed that Ozzy's performance was uncertain even with days to go before the show. Tommy, 77, admitted: 'It was making it up as we went on really. It was really a case of how long Ozzy could do it really. Because we didn't know with him doing his own set, which I said to him, I didn't think he should do because I didn't want him to get burned out by the time he'd come with us. But he didn't and he did his own set. We ended up doing four songs but we had put aside sort of six or seven. But it worked out that we did four, so that was fine." Ozzy's family announced he had died in statement on Tuesday which shocked the music world. The statement 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." In his final days, cameras had been following Ozzy for BBC series, Home To Roost. It is now expected to be released in memory of the star.
Irish Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ozzy 'knew his days were numbered' at final gig and Sharon kept him going
Late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne "knew his days were numbered" when he performed his farewell gig - one of his rock star mates has revealed. Ozzy, who died on Tuesday, treated the Back To The Beginning show as his personal "celebration of life" - surrounded by those he cherished. And acclaim was also heaped on his devoted wife Sharon for arranging the show so "the world could say goodbye" to Ozzy. The remarkable new insight comes from Megadeath founding member David Ellefson, who spent time with the late Birmingham artist and performed at the Villa Park gig and at numerous shows with his mate Ozzy over the past two decades. Ozzy was thrilled basking in the finale's triumph at the after party with stars, including Slash and Axl Rose, being able to "say goodbye to him," reports the Mirror. Sharon Osbourne and Ozzy Osbourne pictured together in 2005. (Image: Getty Images) Ozzy Osbourne on stage during his final performance with Black Sabbath. (Image: PR Supplied) Ellefson, bassist and songwriter of Megadeth, added that Ozzy displayed symptoms of nerve damage from the disease with his leg trembling, but was completely "coherent" during his farewell. Ellefson, who had toured repeatedly with Ozzy, described the Birmingham icon as "the Elvis of heavy metal". He revealed how the VIP after party of BTTB felt like a wake with Ozzy as the main attraction. He explained "It really felt like this was the celebration of life before this inevitable day that happened right? Because Ozzy knew it, right? We've seen the videos online. He knew his days were numbered. "And God bless Sharon for just keeping it going and giving him something to look forward to. "The fact that he got to say goodbye, the fact that we all got to say goodbye to him. In my opinion, not trying to be morbid. I'm being celebratory here. We got to have the celebration of life before he passed. "I mean, what a beautiful thing. "And I was just thinking, God bless Sharon and all those people that did this because for the world to get to say goodbye to Ozzy. Because we knew this day was coming. This isn't as shocking as it is - we knew it was coming. "And so to just have had that moment, all of us together, whether we were on the stage, in the audience, watching it on TV or now, the social media posts, that is the shot around the world, man, that's taken over the world, that event. "And so for all of us, I mean, what a great way to say goodbye. It just was a beautiful thing that will live with all of us forever." Ellefson, who appeared visibly moved during his radio appearance, shared his touching reflections on the Sirius XM Ozzy's Boneyard all-day memorial programme dedicated to the legend. He performed with Supergroup A during the concert, and remembered Ozzy's delight at the exclusive afterparty gathering: "It was super cool, and they'd bring Ozzy in and family's there and standing right up front and he saw me and he said, 'Hey, come here. Come here'. He signals me over. So I kneeled down and have a quick chat with him. And I said, 'man, that was fricking awesome you did great. "And he was happy. He had that after show glow that we all have, right? "It seemed like he wanted to hang out all night. And then of course, Jack shushes everybody, and right in front of us Sid's proposing marriage to Kelly. "And oh my God, it was like, we're in the Osbourne living room watching this intimate moment. And I shot a little video of it on my phone. And I was just looking at it while going, 'God, there he was, man, just a couple weeks ago. There's Ozzy just sitting in his chair. He is smiling. His leg was shaking a little bit like it was. And it was just such a glorious, happy, happy moment. "And so that's the Ozzy I remember, not even the rockstar, just that guy." Ozzy's relatives revealed he had passed away in a statement on Tuesday which sent shockwaves through the music industry, coming just over two weeks following the Back To The Beginning performance at Villa Park. The statement 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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Daily Record
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Ozzy Osbourne 'knew it was over' at his last gig and Sharon's final act of love kept him alive
Ozzy passed away on Tuesday, two weeks on from his final show. The showbiz world has been rocked this week after the news of Ozzy Osbourne's death was announced on Tuesday, however one of his pals has said that the rockstar "knew his days were numbered" when he performed his farewell gig. Before he passed away, Ozzy joined his Black Sabbath bandmates for the Back To The Beginning show in Birmingham's Villa Park and saw the opportunity as his personal "celebration of life" as he was also surrounded by those he loved, writes The Mirror. Ozzy's wife Sharon was also praised for organising for him to take part in the show so 'the world could say goodbye' to Ozzy. This comes from Megadeath founding member David Ellefson, who spent time with the late rocker and performed at the Villa Park gig and at many shows with his pal Ozzy over the last 20 years. It's reported the star adored being involved in the finale's success at the after party with fellow legends, including Slash and Axl Rose, who were able to "say goodbye to him". Bassist and songwriter of Megadeth Ellefson went on to say that Ozzy showed signs of nerve damage from Parkinson's disease with his leg shaking, but was fully "coherent" during his farewell. Ellefson, who had toured many times with Ozzy, described the Birmingham icon as "the Elvis of heavy metal". He gave an insight of the VIP after party of BTTB and said it felt like a wake with Ozzy as the main attraction. He explained "It really felt like this was the celebration of life before this inevitable day that happened right? Because Ozzy knew it, right? We've seen the videos online. He knew his days were numbered. "And God bless Sharon for just keeping it going and giving him something to look forward to. "The fact that he got to say goodbye, the fact that we all got to say goodbye to him. In my opinion, not trying to be morbid. I'm being celebratory here. We got to have the celebration of life before he passed. "I mean, what a beautiful thing. "And I was just thinking, God bless Sharon and all those people that did this because for the world to get to say goodbye to Ozzy. Because we knew this day was coming. This isn't as shocking as it is - we knew it was coming. "And so to just have had that moment, all of us together, whether we were on the stage, in the audience, watching it on TV or now, the social media posts, that is the shot around the world, man, that's taken over the world, that event. "And so for all of us, I mean, what a great way to say goodbye. It just was a beautiful thing that will live with all of us forever." Ellefson sounded quite emotional as he made his insightful comments on the Sirius XM Ozzy's Boneyard all day tribute radio show for the star. He played in Supergroup A at the gig, and recalled Ozzy's joy at the after show. "It was super cool, and they'd bring Ozzy in and the family's there and standing right up front and he saw me and he said, 'Hey, come here. Come here'. He signals me over. So I kneeled down and have a quick chat with him. And I said, 'man, that was fricking awesome you did great'. "And he was happy. He had that after show glow that we all have, right? "It seemed like he wanted to hang out all night. And then of course, Jack shushes everybody, and right in front of us Sid's proposing marriage to Kelly. "And oh my God, it was like, we're in the Osbourne living room watching this intimate moment. And I shot a little video of it on my phone. And I was just looking at it while going, 'God, there he was, man, just a couple weeks ago'. There's Ozzy just sitting in his chair. He is smiling. His leg was shaking a little bit like it was. "And it was just such a glorious, happy, happy moment. "And so that's the Ozzy I remember, not even the rockstar, just that guy." Ozzy's family announced he had died in statement on Tuesday which shocked the music world, as it came just over two weeks after the show at Villa Park. The statement 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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ozzy Osbourne 'knew it was over' at final gig - Sharon's final act of love kept him alive
Ozzy Osbourne died this week at the age of 76, triggering an outpouring of love for the Black Sabbath in his beloved Birmingham and around the world Late rock icon Ozzy Osbourne"knew his days were numbered" when he performed his farewell gig - one of his rock star friends has revealed. Ozzy, who died on Tuesday, treated the Back To The Beginning show as his personal "celebration of life" - surrounded by those he loved. And praise was also showered on his devoted wife Sharon for organising the show so 'the world could say goodbye' to Ozzy. The incredible new insight comes from Megadeath founding member David Ellefson, who hung out with the late Brummie artist and performed at the Villa Park gig and at many shows with his pal Ozzy over the last two decades. Ozzy was ecstatic revelling in the finale's success at the after party with stars, including Slash and Axl Rose, being able to "say goodbye to him." Ellefson, bassist and songwriter of Megadeth, added that Ozzy showed signs of nerve damage from the disease with his leg shaking , but was fully "coherent" during his farewell. Ellefson, who had toured many times with Ozzy, described the Brummie icon as "the Elvis of heavy metal". He revealed how the VIP after party of BTTB felt like a wake with Ozzy as the main attraction. He explained "It really felt like this was the celebration of life before this inevitable day that happened right? Because Ozzy knew it, right? We've seen the videos online. He knew his days were numbered. "And God bless Sharon for just keeping it going and giving him something to look forward to. "The fact that he got to say goodbye, the fact that we all got to say goodbye to him. In my opinion, not trying to be morbid. I'm being celebratory here. We got to have the celebration of life before he passed. "I mean, what a beautiful thing. "And I was just thinking, God bless Sharon and all those people that did this because for the world to get to say goodbye to Ozzy. Because we knew this day was coming. This isn't as shocking as it is - we knew it was coming. "And so to just have had that moment, all of us together, whether we were on the stage, in the audience, watching it on TV or now, the social media posts, that is the shot around the world, man, that's taken over the world, that event. "And so for all of us, I mean, what a great way to say goodbye. It just was a beautiful thing that will live with all of us forever." Ellefson, who sounded emotional on air, made his insightful comments on the Sirius XM Ozzy's Boneyard all day tribute radio show for the star. He played in Supergroup A at the gig, and recalled Ozzy's joy at the after show VIP "It was super cool, and they'd bring Ozzy in and family's there and standing right up front and he saw me and he said, 'Hey, come here. Come here'. He signals me over. So I kneeled down and have a quick chat with him. And I said, 'man, that was fricking awesome you did great. "And he was happy. He had that after show glow (corr) that we all have, right? "It seemed like he wanted to hang out all night. And then of course, Jack shushes everybody, and right in front of us Sid's proposing marriage to Kelly. "And oh my God, it was like, we're in the Osbourne living room watching this intimate moment. And I shot a little video of it on my phone. And I was just looking at it while going,'God, there he was, man, just a couple weeks ago. there's Ozzy just sitting in his chair. He is smiling. His leg was shaking a little bit like it was,. "And it was just such a glorious, happy, happy moment. Ozzy's family announced he had died in statement on Tuesday which shocked the music world, as it came just over two weeks after the Back To The Beginning show at Villa Park. The statement 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.'
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ozzy Osbourne's crippling doubt ahead of final show as he suffers health crisis
Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy speaks openly and honestly about physical and mental issues in lead up to his Back To The Beginning finale Legendary rock wild man Ozzy Osbourne is suffering huge self confidence and stage fright issues ahead of his summer UK farewell show - but has vowed 'to give 120 percent'. Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy admits that he is rattled by self doubt and still unsure how he will perform on stage, seated or not, for his Back To The Beginning finale at Villa Park, Birmingham on July 5. The 76-year-old confirmed he won't play a full set as his endurance, Parkinson's battle and leg, neck and back issues are too problematic. And the determined superstar has effectively moved in a physical therapy recovery trainer into his LA home to increase his physical movement. But the star, who battled near lethal cocaine and alcohol addictions, wears a pulse oximeter to monitor his heart rate and oxygen levels in this race against time to sing as many hits as possible for fans. He determinedly announced: 'by hook or by crook I am going to make this f***ing gig if it is the last thing I do - well it will be.' Ozzy boasts a reputation as one of rock's greatest entertainers thanks to his captivating stage presence, intense performances, stage antics and powerful vocals. But the thrill of 'celebrating his legacy' at the BTTB gig has been consumed by ADHD and self confidence fears. Ozzy said: 'My head's crazy. ADHD - I have that badly. I will have done the show and died a death before I even started my exercises. So I try and put it on the back burner. 'I'm not going up there saying 'It's going to be great. I'm really confident.' 'In my head I will have died on my ass. I remember being in f***ing Vegas one time being in the dressing room going, 'I'm going to play. I'm going to die.' 'And I talked myself into blowing the gig. It was only two f***ing songs. Sharon goes, 'just don't think about it.' I obsess about a f***ing bird crapping on my show. 'But all I can say is I'm giving 120%. If my God wants me to do the show. I'll do it. Sometimes if I start obsessing on the time, I'll be insane by Friday. So I'm just taking it one day at a time.' Asked if he feels excited for the farewell , Ozzy responded: 'fear' Believe you me, I still get stage fright. 'As soon as you get on stage, it's like sh* or bust.' He then joked: "Ask him upstairs. In my case, the one below,' Ozzy, who has undergone multiple back and neck surgeries, has moved in a specialist rehab therapist to help him stand for several minutes on stage, walk more freely and feel better balance. However he is uncertain with five weeks to go whether fans will see him on a throne, mini Segway or standing. "I don't f***ing know. If I'm in a throne, okay! If I'm in a f***ing movable f***ing cart, I don't know.' He continued to Sirius XM: 'I am in heavy training because I haven't done any physical work for the last seven years. 'By hook or by crook. I've got to make it there. 'I have got this trainer guy who helps people get back to normal. t's hard going, but he's convinced that he can pull it off for me. I'm giving it everything I've got. 'it's endurance. The first thing that goes when you're laid up is your stamina. 'I am having my blood pressure taken 15 times a day.. I've got this f***ing device on my finger. 'It's a monitor to say how my heart rate is. 'I'm constantly in training seven days a week I've got this guy who's virtually living with me and I'm in bed by seven.' Ozzy and Black Sabbath will headline their final gig on July 5th at Villa Park in Birmingham, as part of an event titled "Back To The Beginning". This show will reunite the original band members – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – for the first time in 20 years. The band played its "last" gig in 2017 in Birmingham with Osborne, guitarist Iommi and bassist Butler but without Ward on drums. But last year Ozzy was not well enough to perform at the band's Rock'N'Roll Hall Of Fame inauguration in America. Black Sabbath's story began in Birmingham where Osbourne, Iommi, Butler and Ward were looking to escape a life of factory work. Their eponymous debut album in 1970 made the UK top 10 and paved the way for a string of hit records. They went on to become one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time, selling more than 75 million albums worldwide. The group were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, and Osbourne was added for a second time last year. He previously celebrated his home city in 2022 when he helped close the Commonwealth Games. He rose to further fame alongside his wife Sharon - who he married in 1982 and with whom he has three children, Aimee, Jack and Kelly - through their reality TV series The Osbournes. All profits from the July 5 show will go to charities including Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorn Children's Hospice, which is supported by Aston Villa.
