Latest news with #farewellshow
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Black Sabbath bassist reflects on rehearsing with 'frail' Ozzy Osbourne for farewell show
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler is sharing emotional reflections on the last time he ever saw his bandmate Ozzy Osbourne. In an essay for The Sunday Times published on Sunday, July 27, Butler paid tribute to the rock icon and wrote about performing with him for the last time during Black Sabbath's farewell show on July 5. Weeks after the performance, Osbourne died on July 22 at age 76. "Nobody knew he'd be gone from us little more than two weeks after the final show," Butler wrote. "But I am so grateful we got to play one last time together in front of his beloved fans. The love from the fans and all the bands, musicians, singers and solo artists that night was incredible. Everyone had come to pay homage to the Prince. I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him." Butler, who founded Black Sabbath with Osbourne in 1968, said rehearsals for the farewell show started about a month prior, and he was taken aback when he saw Osbourne struggling with health issues. Surprise! Johnny Depp joins Alice Cooper for Ozzy Osbourne tribute "I knew he wasn't in good health, but I wasn't prepared to see how frail he was," he wrote. "He was helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane — being Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones. He didn't really say much beyond the usual greetings and when he sang, he sat in a chair." Rock star Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76, weeks after final Black Sabbath show Butler said Osbourne seemed exhausted after they played six or seven songs during rehearsal, and although they "had a bit of a chat," he "was really quiet compared with the Ozzy of old." The musician shared that he wishes he "had more time backstage with Ozzy" at their final show. "I didn't realize then that I would never see Ozzy again after that night," he wrote. Butler also remembered his former bandmate as a "born entertainer" who "had a heart of pure gold." Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi previously paid tribute to Osbourne on Instagram, writing that "there won't ever be another like him." Drummer Bill Ward also wrote in his own tribute, "Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you're forever in my heart." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ozzy Osbourne death: Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler reflects
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
See Your Legends While You Can: From Guns N' Roses to The Who, These Legacy Acts Are Hitting the Road for (Maybe) the Last Time
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Ozzy Osbourne played his farewell show with Black Sabbath just two weeks before his death on July 22. For the lucky few thousand in attendance at the rock band's Birmingham, UK concert, it was — without hyperbole — likely the opportunity of a lifetime to see their favorite rockers reunite for one last refrain. More from Rolling Stone Movie Buffs, Take Note - It's the Last Week to Save Up to 50% on the Criterion Collection Ozzy Osbourne's Memoirs Return to Top of Charts Following Singer's Death How to Watch 'Match Game' 2025 Revival Online Black Sabbath were among a number of legacy rock bands playing concerts this year, and while not all of them have billed their treks as 'farewell shows,' it's conceivable that their 2025 jaunts could be their last. From Eagles and The Who, to David Lee Roth and Alice Cooper, these music icons are still touring the country, but it's unclear for how much longer. In fact, the Eagles are playing the last few dates of their 'Long Goodbye' farewell tour, while The Who have announced that this summer's 'Song Is Over' tour will be their last. Osbourne's passing was also a timely reminder that you never know when or where your favorite artist's last appearance could be. Pete Townshend said as much in a statement announcing The Who's farewell tour in May. 'Roger and I are in a good place, despite our age, eager to throw our weight behind this fond farewell to all our faithful fans, and hopefully to new ones who might jump in to see what they have been missing for the last 57 years,' he said. 'This tour will be about fond memories, love and laughter. Make sure you join in.' Take it from Townshend: 2025 should be the year you finally see your favorite artists live, whether for the first time or last time. Regardless of whether they have a new album to promote or how much their voices and stage presence may have declined over the years, the fact that these artists are still performing to packed crowds proves just how important they have been to fans — and the music industry — over the decades. Wouldn't it be nice to rock out with them for one last hurrah? FIND SHOWS AND TICKETS ON TICKETMASTER We've rounded up some of the best classic rock bands, legacy acts and music icons touring in 2025. From theater shows and residencies, to festivals and stadium tours, here's who to see in concert this year. Start your search for shows and seats on Ticketmaster, which is the official ticketing partner for many of these tours. Concert sold out or can't find the seats you want? We recommend looking for tickets on third-party sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats, which often have availability and tickets at, or below, face value, depending on the dates. Bonus: use our exclusive promo code RS30 to save $30 off your purchase at Billy Idol & Joan Jett FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS Billy Idol and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will tour through the fall on the 'It's a Nice Day to…Tour Again!' Tour, taking the Eighties stars across the U.S. The tour wraps Sept. 25 in Los Angeles and the artists have announced that a portion of the proceeds from the LA date will go to the American Red Cross for wildfire relief. Bruce Dickinson FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson takes his solo jaunt across the U.S. this summer and fall, promoting his 2024 solo album, The Mandrake Project. That's not the only solo act he's performing these days: the heavy metal frontman just participated in a professional fencing tournament, finishing 13th out of 31 competitors. En garde!Iron Maiden, meantime, are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025, with a new documentary and new tour. Dubbed the 'Run for Your Lives World Tour,' the concert only has European dates for now but is expected to come to North America in 2026. David Lee Roth FIND TICKETS AT STUBHUB FIND TICKETS AT VIVID SEATS David Lee Roth is back on the road for the first time in half a decade, and this time, he's bringing some Van Halen songs with him. Though he seemingly announced his retirement following a Vegas residency, the rock legend is taking his solo show across the U.S. this year, playing small theaters and casinos. And while Alex Van Halen told Rolling Stone that a tour reuniting the drummer and Roth didn't come to fruition after Eddie Van Halen's death, Roth's show at the M3 Rock Festival this past May offered the next best thing, with the frontman treating the crowd to a 75-minute-long set comprised completely of songs from his former band. Def Leppard FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS Eighties rockers Def Leppard have a string of 2025 summer dates that run through October in Gary, IN. They're also teaming up with Motley Crue to play the Rock the Tides Festival, an all-inclusive destination festival in Mexico, where the bands headline a lineup that also includes Poison frontman Bret Michaels, Extreme, The Struts, Buckcherry, Dorothy, and Living Colour, among others. Dolly Parton FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS Dolly Parton is coming to Vegas with a mini-residency this December at the Colosseum at Caesar's Palace. 'Dolly: Live in Las Vegas' marks the Queen of Country's first time returning to Sin City since 1993. The last time she toured, meanwhile, was in 2016, making this a must-see show for fans of the music icon. Eagles FIND TICKETS AT STUBHUB FIND TICKETS AT VIVID SEATS The Eagles kicked off a new residency at the Sphere Las Vegas last year, and the band has extended their show with even more new dates through November 2025. It's unclear how much longer fans will be able to see Don Henley, Joe Walsh and co. in concert — the band previously said their 2023 'Long Goodbye' farewell tour would be the last chance to see the full crew together, only to extend the dates into 2024 and then announce a stint at the Sphere. Guns N' Roses FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS Guns N' Roses kicked off their 2025 'Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things Tour' in South Korea in May, and while the rockers aren't heading to North America on this outing, fans can still find tickets to see GN'R in their reunion era in Europe and Latin America. GWAR FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS The American heavy metal band are ready to 'come destroy your town,' per a promotional release for their 2025 tour, which takes them across North America through the end of November. Formed in 1984, the fan favorite band just released a new EP, The Return of Gor Gor, in July. Judas Priest & Alice Cooper FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS Judas Priest and Alice Cooper share the bill on a 2025 summer tour that sees the heavy metal band and goth rocker traveling throughout Europe in July before headlining dates in the U.S. from August through October. Corrosion of Conformity join the two legends on select dates of their co-headlining tour. Metallica FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS Metallica have extended their 'M72 World Tour' to include summer North American tour dates. Many of the cities will host two-night stands, and on those dates — dubbed 'No Repeat Weekend' — the band has said it will play unique set lists so that concertgoers don't hear the same songs twice (though surely they'll repeat some fan favorites on both nights). Nine Inch Nails FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS NIN are hitting the road for their 'Peel It Back Tour,' which runs through September. The 2025 world tour kicked off in Dublin in June and travels across Europe and the UK for a month. In August, the band will return to North America for six weeks. Nine Inch Nails doesn't tour that frequently, especially since Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have found success in the movie scoring space. The band last hit the road in 2022. Oasis FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS The highly-anticipated Oasis reunion finally happened, with Liam and Noel Gallagher putting their years-long feud aside for a 2025 tour that kicked off with a flurry in Wales in July. The North American leg kicks off in August in Toronto, with dates set for Jersey, Los Angeles, and Mexico City through September 2025. Though the band has warned against purchasing tickets from resale sites, listings have nevertheless appeared on StubHub, Vivid Seats and SeatGeek, to name a few (you can try your luck and use our promo code ROLLINGSTONE10 to get $10 off at The Oasis reunion tour has also spawned a new official merch collection of T-shirts, hoodies and accessories, available now at Amazon. Queens of the Stone Age FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS After cancelling some of their 2024 tour dates following Josh Homme's recovery from an unspecified surgery, Queens of the Stone Age and a back-to-health Homme have announced 'The Catacombs Tour,' a small run of North American tour dates taking place this fall. The shows are inspired by the band's Alive in the Catacombs concert film and acoustic live album, which was recorded in the fabled Catacombs of Paris last July. Sex Pistols FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS The Sex Pistols have reunited for a new tour, but with new singer Frank Carter in place of John Lydon. The rest of the lineup for the band's 50th anniversary tour features guitarist Steve Jones, bassist Glen Matlock and drummer Paul Cook performing the 1977 album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols in its entirety. Styx FIND TICKETS ON STUBHUB FIND TICKETS ON VIVID SEATS American rockers Styx are currently out on the Brotherhood of Rock tour, which marks their 53rd year as a group, while celebrating their 18th studio album, Circling From Above, released in May. The 'Lady' singers are joined on their brotherhood tour by Kevin Cronin and Don Felder. The Who FIND TICKETS AT STUBHUB FIND TICKETS AT VIVID SEATS The Who kicked off their 'Song Is Over' farewell tour in Italy in July, marking the group's first jaunt since they fired drummer Zak Starkey, and replaced him with Scott Devours. Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey named the tour after the British band's 1971 deep cut 'The Song Is Over,' though they've also suggested that this could be their last time on the road. 'All good things must come to an end,' Townshend said in a statement announcing the tour. 'Thanks for being there for us,' echoed Daltrey. 'We look forward to seeing you one last time.' Best of Rolling Stone The Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio System
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sharon Osbourne's secret final act of love for Ozzy: Friends reveal incredible 'unusual deal' she struck in his final days...
It was the farewell show that raised millions for charity and granted Ozzy Osbourne – the self-proclaimed Prince of Darkness – his final bow. But despite returning to his hometown and reuniting with the original Black Sabbath line-up for the first time in 20 years, the swansong was tinged with sadness.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ozzy Osbourne's Black Sabbath's bandmates have lost their 'brother'
Ozzy Osbourne's heartbroken Black Sabbath's bandmates have lost their "brother" and insisted "there won't ever be another like him". The band's frontman passed away on Tuesday (22.07.25) aged 76 and tributes have been pouring in from across the world, but now his longtime colleagues Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward have expressed their agony over the loss of the singer just two weeks after they reunited for their Back to the Beginning farewell show in their hometown of Birmingham, England. In a post on X, 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 just 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 [Ozzy's wife] Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz.' Butler added in a message shared on Instagram: "Goodbye dear friend- thanks for all those years- we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston - who'd have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you." Ward had a rocky relationship with Osbourne over the years, but he admitted he was glad they were able to put the past behind them. In a post on X, he wrote: "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. Bill Ward." The band previously posted a picture of Ozzy on stage at their final gig and simply wrote: 'Ozzy Forever.' Ozzy's death was confirmed by his family in a statement which 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." It has since been reported that Ozzy passed away at his home in Buckinghamshire, UK and his daughters had flown in from Los Angeles to be with him. A source told MailOnline: '[His passing was] unexpected to be this soon." The insider added that daughters Aimee, 41, and Kelly, 40, had come from Los Angeles to be with their father and Ozzy's son Jack, 39, had flown in from his home in Idaho to watch his father perform at his final Black Sabbath gig in Birmingham on July 5. The source said: 'Ozzy was always meant to come back to Britain to live in Buckinghamshire, it was where Sharon had spent so long preparing their family home for him. 'There was much hope that he would be around for a lot longer than this but at one point there were fears they would not get him back from Los Angeles for the concert earlier this month. 'Kelly has been at the house a lot in the last week or so, so has Aimee. It is terribly sad for all of them, they really hoped he would be able to carry on for a bit longer. "But it's so lovely that he had his children around him during his last days."
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ozzy Osbourne Bassist Reflects on First and Final Shows: ‘I Owe That Man Everything'
Ozzy Osbourne Bassist Reflects on First and Final Shows: 'I Owe That Man Everything' originally appeared on Parade. 's 'Back to the Beginning' farewell show is history, but at least one musician who spent years as a member of Ozzy's solo band is still reflecting on the journey. , who has been the bassist in Alice in Chains for the last 20 years, took to Instagram on Monday, July 7 to share his thoughts about the weekend and his early days in Ozzy's band. 'My VERY FIRST Ozzy show I ever played was two nights at the old Mcgonagles punk club at 22 St. Anne st. In Dublin Ireland. January 11-12 1991,' he wrote. 'I decided that on my way home from playing the LAST show I'll ever play with Ozzy in Birmingham this past Saturday, I figured that I would swing by Dublin for a few days and reflect on those early days with Ozzy and Zakky,' he added, referring to his former bandmate, guitarist . 'The club is now a shitty posh clothing store. But I suppose it's logical that things change after 35 years. I'm sure going to miss playing with Ozzy. I owe that man everything. #ozzyosbourne' The caption was accompanied by a carousel of photos, including Inez standing in front of the 'posh clothing store' that was the site of McGonangles, as well as a handbill for that show that billed it as 'a live rehearsal,' along with three photos of the crowd at Saturday's 'Back to the Beginning' festival. At that show, Inez played a three-song set with Alice in Chains that included the band's hits 'Man in the Box' and 'Would?' as well as a cover of Black Sabbath's 'Fairies Wear Boots.' He later returned to the stage to back Ozzy—along with his fellow Ozzy solo band members drummer , guitarist Wylde and keyboardist —on a set of Ozzy solo hits that included such classics as 'Mr. Crowley,' 'Mama, I'm Coming Home' and 'Crazy Train.' Inez, who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, played in Osbourne's band from 1989 through 1993 after auditioning along with more than 50 other musicians to play bass for the heavy metal legend. He went on to have stints with Alice in Chains (1993-2002), Wylde's Black Label Society (2001-2004), Heart (2002-2006), and a second stint with the reunited Alice in Chains beginning in 2005. His followers offered him kudos for his journey with Osbourne in the comments on Instagram. 'As a big fan of AIC I couldn't be more proud of you Mike, you totally rock!!!!' wrote one. 'You were absolutely INCREDIBLE, I hope to cross paths with you and [Inez's wife] Sydney again as it was such a pleasure to meet and feed you both! The energy you brought to my day was epic! What an unbelievable experience. Much love ❤️,' added another. 'Was so amazing seeing you up there supporting Ozzy during his last solo set. Zak, Adam and Tommy crushed it with you… Hugely emotional, not a dry eye for anyone watching no doubt,' added another fan. Ozzy Osbourne Bassist Reflects on First and Final Shows: 'I Owe That Man Everything' first appeared on Parade on Jul 7, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
