Latest news with #BackToTheBacktotheBeginning
Perth Now
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Ozzy Osbourne's sister reveals Black Sabbath star's final text before his death
Ozzy Osbourne's sister Jean has revealed the plans they made in his final text days before his death. The Black Sabbath guitarist - whose real name was John Osbourne - died on Tuesday (22.07.25) aged 76, and his sister has opened up about getting to watch his final show at the Back To The Beginning concert at Birmingham's Villa Park on July 5. Speaking at her sibling Gillian's house, Jean told the Daily Mirror newspaper: 'We had an executive box in the stadium, and when I saw the sea of people waiting to see our John I just broke down. 'We didn't really get a chance to chat much because it was such a chaotic visit. But in his last text to me he said he would be coming to Birmingham again. "He said 'I can't wait to come back'. We were hoping to see him this week.' Ozzy text his siblings on the day as he drove down Lodge Road, where the family lived close to Aston Villa's stadium. She added: "He said he couldn't believe all the crowds were walking down our old street to watch him perform. He was blown away." The two sisters saw Ozzy when he was back in Birmingham to be given the freedom of the city alongside his Sabbath bandmates. They have been left stunned by the "outpouring of love" since his death, Jean said: "We just can't believe he is gone and we won't be getting another phone call or text from him. "Every week without fail he would get in touch, either by phone or text, to ask how we were all doing and what was going on." No cause of death has been given, but Ozzy - who was diagnosed with Parkinson's 2019 - had been open with the public about his health. Jean added: 'He was frail but [his death] still came as a shock. He still had plans and things he wanted to do. "We don't know the details of his death, it's still too early. It's just so sad. I'm just thankful he died in England." His death comes just two weeks after the rocker reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for their Back To The Back to the Beginning farewell show in their hometown of Birmingham, England which raised millions of pounds for charity. His family said in a statement: "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."
Perth Now
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Coldplay honour Ozzy Osbourne at Nashville show
Coldplay paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne during their show in Nashville, Tennessee just hours after his death. Chris Martin's band took to the stage at the city's Nissan Stadiumon Tuesday (22.07.25) evening shortly after the Black Sabbath legend passed away aged 76 and the frontman gave a moving speech remembering the late rocker before the band played a cover of his track Changes. Martin told the audience: "We'd like to dedicate this whole show to the incredible genius, talent, and characterful [sic] gift to the world who was Ozzy Osbourne. We send our love to his family." At the end of the song, Martin looked towards the sky and raised his arms, saying: "OK Ozzy, we love you. Wherever you're going. Thank you for everything." Ozzy first recorded Changes with Black Sabbath in 1972, but he released it again in 2003 as a duet with his daughter Kelly. His death comes just two weeks after the rocker reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for their Back To The Back to the Beginning farewell show in their hometown of Birmingham, England which raised millions of pounds for charity. The good causes supported by the gig included Birmingham Children's Hospital, which released a statement thanking Ozzy for his lasting contribution to the organisation's future. It read: "We're so very sad to hear the news of Ozzy Osbourne's passing. Ozzy had an incredible career and life, but never forgot his Brummie roots. "Our hospital was extremely lucky to have his support over the years and most recently with his iconic final performance, which will leave a lasting legacy for our sick kids. "Our thoughts are with Sharon and the whole Osbourne family. Our hospital has lost a friend, Birmingham a son and the world a musical legend." The concert's funds will also help the Acorns Children's Hospice, and a spokesperson for the charity said of the loss: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ozzy Osbourne and send our heartfelt condolences to Sharon and the entire Osbourne family at this incredibly difficult time ... "For us at Acorns, Ozzy's generosity and compassion will never be forgotten. His decision, alongside Black Sabbath and Sharon Osbourne, to support Acorns during their unforgettable Back to the Beginning show at Villa Park was a moment of pure magic ... "That night and in the weeks since, thanks to Ozzy, our children's hospice care has been embraced by people across the world. Families who so often can feel unseen have been celebrated by millions."
