Latest news with #finalgig
Daily Mail
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ozzy Osbourne's Black Sabbath bassist recalls final gig and admits the late rocker was 'frail' and 'needed assistance' during rehearsals
's bassist has recalled Black Sabbath's final gig and admits the late rocker 'needed assistance' during rehearsals. The beloved musician, famously known as the Prince of Darkness, died on Tuesday at the age of 76 - just weeks after performing his final show with the band. Ozzy was reportedly warned by insurers that they wouldn't cover the concert if he insisted on standing to bid farewell to his devoted fans. But his wife Sharon managed to sort something with providers to ensure his last concert went ahead. Despite Ozzy not being in the best state of health, Black Sabbath continued to rehearse and after a few weeks they were ready to greet their adoring fans and give them a show to remember. Bandmate Geezer Butler has since spoken out about his passing, revealing how Ozzy was in his final moments. He told The Times: 'I knew he wasn't in good health, but I wasn't prepared to see how frail he was. '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.' Geezer went on to share the one thing he wished he had done before he passed. He added: 'I wish I'd had more time backstage with Ozzy, but wishes are redundant now. As Ozzy used to say: "Wish in one hand and s**t in the other and see which comes first."' Ozzy took to the stage for his farewell concert at Villa Park Stadium in his native Birmingham less than three weeks before his death. The rocker reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005 to bid an emotional farewell to his decades of performing live on stage. After selling out in minutes, over 42,000 fans packed into Villa Park for the aptly-titled Back to the Beginning show, which saw Ozzy and Black Sabbath return to their hometown - 56 years after they formed there. Geezer said it was a 'privilege' to have spent the past 56 years of friendship with Ozzy and it's been 'one hell of a ride'. His final words on stage were: 'It's the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' A message on screen then read: 'Thank you for everything, you guys are f***ing amazing. Birmingham Forever,' before the sky lit up with fireworks. On Wednesday, MailOnline revealed that an air ambulance was called to Osbourne's multi-million-pound country home as paramedics battled to save his life. The Thames Valley air ambulance landed in a field close to Welders House, the singer's Grade II listed mansion on Tuesday morning at around 10.30am. It's believed that calls from Welders House had led call handlers to believe that the Black Sabbath singer's life was in the balance.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ozzy Osbourne said he would 'die a happy man' if he passed away after farewell show as Black Sabbath singer dies weeks after final gig
said he would 'die a happy man' if he could perform one more show to express his gratitude to his fans from the stage. The Black Sabbath frontman, who has died 'surrounded by love' at the age of 76, performed from a throne on stage at Villa Park in Birmingham just weeks ago. And in a resurfaced interview following his death, Ozzy told Rolling Stone in 2023 that he wanted to be 'well enough' for one final gig. He said: 'If I can't continue doing shows on a regular basis, I just want to be well enough to do one show where I can say, "Hi guys, thanks so much for my life". 'That's what I'm working towards, and if I drop down dead at the end of it, I'll die a happy man'. Elsewhere, Ozzy previously told the publication he insisted that he 'doesn't fear death' and knew that he had 'at best 10 years left.' He said: 'I don't fear dying, but I don't want to have a long, painful and miserable existence. I like the idea that if you have a terminal illness, you can go to a place in Switzerland and get it done quickly. I saw my father die of cancer. 'But look, I said to Sharon [Osbourne] that I'd smoked a joint recently and she said, "What are you doing that for? It'll f**king kill you!" 'I said, "How long do you want me to f**king live for?!" At best, I've got 10 years left and when you're older, time picks up speed. 'Me and Sharon had our 41st wedding anniversary recently, and that's just unbelievable to me.' Ozzy's health had severely declined in recent years as he revealed he had been suffering from Parkinson's disease since 2003 and had undergone seven surgeries in the past five years, including a fourth spinal surgery in September 2023. His health battle began more than two decade ago, when in 2003, he broke his neck after falling off a quad bike leading to some extensive back surgery and metal rods being put down his spine. The British musician was diagnosed with a mild form of Parkinson's disease in 2003, however he only went public with the condition in 2020. In 2020, the singer shared in an interview with Good Morning America alongside his wife Sharon his diagnosis. He shared: 'I had to have surgery on my neck which screwed all my nerves. I found out that I have a mild form of...' Struggling to finish the sentence Sharon stepped in: 'It's Parkin two which is a form of Parkinson's.' She added: 'There are so many different types of Parkinson's. It's not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination but it does affect the nerves in your body. It's like you'll have a good day, then a good day, and then a really bad day.' However, Ozzy previously said that his biggest struggles were due to a fall which he suffered in 2019 which caused metal rods in his back to dislodge. The rods had been put there following a quad bike accident at his Buckinghamshire home in 2003. He told Rolling Stone UK magazine: 'The second surgery went drastically wrong and virtually left me crippled. 'I thought I'd be up and running after the second and third, but with the last one they put a f*ing rod in my spine. 'They found a tumour in one of the vertebrae, so they had to dig all that out too. It's pretty rough, man, and my balance is all f*ed up.' In February 2019, Sharon revealed he had been admitted to hospital after suffering from flu and had experienced 'complications' from the illness. 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. Ahead of his final live performance in July 2025, which was a benefit concert in Birmingham, Ozzy gave an update on his health status and state of mind. Speaking on SiriusXM's Ozzy's Boneyard, he said: 'You know what, I go on about the way I can't walk and I can't do this, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all of my complaining, I'm still alive.' He continued: 'I may be moaning about how I can't walk as well but as I look down the road, there's people that didn't do half as much as me, and they didn't make it.' 'I'm trying to get back on my feet.' Host Billy Morrison added: 'Ozzy, you are so much better than you were just a year ago.' He replied: 'Yeah, but the recovery is very slow. That f***ing surgeon. Plus the Parkinson's. When you get up in the morning, you just jump outta bed. Oh I have to balance myself, you know? But you know, I'm not dead, as you say. I'm still actively doing things.' Also ahead of the gig, Ozzy's wife Sharon revealed: 'Ozzy's working with his therapist every single day. He's doing really well, actually. Ozzy's number one thing in life is his fans, so he's working hard to be ready for them, to make this show the perfect way to end things.' Last year, Ozzy was not well enough to perform at the band's Rock'N'Roll Hall of Fame induction in America. At the Back To The Beginning show, Ozzy performed on a black throne as he was unable to stand. Ozzy, who has undergone multiple back and neck surgeries, moved in a specialist rehab therapist in Los Angeles to try to help him stand for several minutes on stage, walk more freely and feel better balanced. Ozzy passed away on Tuesday (22.07.25), just weeks after he took to the stage for a final performance with his band in Villa Park, Birmingham. The Osbourne 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.' Ozzy was born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, and dropped out of school at the age of 15. After serving two months in prison for burglary, he decided to pursue his love of music and by 1970 Black Sabbath had gained a huge following in the US and UK with the release of their first album. Ozzy quit the band in 1978 and divorced his first wife Thelma Mayfair, who he had two children with, four years later, amid his ongoing substance abuse problems. He went on to marry second wife Sharon Osbourne, who helped him transform into a successful solo artist and the couple had three children together. Ozzy gained a whole new audience of fans with the family's reality TV show The Osbournes in 2001. He is survived by his wife Sharon and his five children, Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly and Jack. WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, according to the NHS website. What are the symptoms? The NHS says there are three major symptoms, including tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness. Other symptoms include problems with balance, loss of smell, nerve pain, excessive sweating and dizziness. Some people can also experience lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing, causing malnutrition and dehydration. What are the early signs? Symptoms can start gradually, sometimes beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one part of the body. In the early stages, people may show little or no expression, and their arms may not swing when they walk. Speech can also become soft or slurred, with the condition worsening over time. What are the causes? Some scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson's disease. It occurs after a person experiences loss of nerve cells in a part of their brain. However, it is not known why the loss of nerve cells associated with the condition takes place but research is ongoing to identify potential causes. Scientists say genetics factor can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, and can therefore run in families. Other factors attributed to causing the condition include environmental problems such as pollution, though such links are inconclusive, the NHS says. How is it diagnosed? No tests can conclusively show if a person has the disease, but doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms, medical history and a physical examination. A specialist will ask the person to write or draw, walk or speak to check for any common signs of the condition. They may even check for difficulty making facial expressions and slowness of limb movement. How many people are affected? Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson's disease in the UK, according to the charity Parkinson's UK. What happens if someone is diagnosed? According to the charity, it is a legal requirement to contact the DVLA, as a diagnosed person will need to have a medical or driving assessment. The organisation also advises people to contact any insurance providers and find out about financial support available. People are also encouraged to partake in more exercise. Can it be treated? Although there is no cure, a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms. The main remedies include medication, exercise, therapy and surgery, which can help people in different ways. What medication is available and what are the side effects? Medication can be helpful in improving the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as shaking and movement problems. There are three main types which are commonly used, levodopa, dopamine agonist or a MAO-B inhibitor. Each can affect people in different ways. The drugs do have some side effects, including impulsive and compulsive behaviour, hallucinations, sleep issues and blood pressure changes. What therapy is available? There are several therapies available to those with Parkinson's through the NHS. Among them are physiotherapy to reduce muscle stiffness, occupational therapy to help with completing day-to-day tasks and speech and language coaching. Does this change the way you live? Most people's life expectancy will not change a great deal, though more advanced symptoms can lead to increased disability and poor health. It can also cause some cognitive issues and changes to mood and mental health.
BBC News
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Film of Black Sabbath farewell to release in early 2026
A film of the star-studded show that Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath said would be their final gig will be released early next bade farewell to live performing in Birmingham, supported by a host of legendary music acts in front of 40,000 fans at Villa Park on 5 group were joined by performers including Metallica, Guns N' Roses and Slayer, with guest appearances from the likes of Ronnie Wood, Steven Tyler and Jack To The Beginning: Ozzy's Final Bow, would be a "distilled version" of the all-day event and include exclusive behind-the-scenes access and interviews, a post on Osbourne's X account said. The concert film would be a celebration of the 76-year-old singer and the legacy of Black Sabbath, the post said, capturing "the raw power and emotional weight of Ozzy's final bow in his hometown".It said: "Featuring thunderous performances of War Pigs, Iron Man, Children of the Grave, and a show-stopping Paranoid, the film promises a deeply personal and electrifying farewell from the godfather of heavy metal." The legendary frontman, who has Parkinson's disease, sang with his fellow founding fathers of heavy metal while seated on a black musicians and celebrities sent in video messages that were played at the show - held a stone's throw from Ozzy's childhood home - alongside messages from fans."You are one of the most remarkable singers of our time," Sir Elton John told Osbourne in his message."Without Sabbath there would be no Metallica," the US group's frontman James Hetfield told the crowd during their travelled from across the world and sported their own rockstar outfits for the farewell - with everything from tattoos to socks bearing Osbourne's name or image. After playing five songs from his solo career, Ozzy was joined by his Black Sabbath bandmates - guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward - for four more, finishing with 1970 classic group's final performance raised £140m for charity, according to the event's musical director, Tom Morello. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Glastonbury fans FUMING as legendary band's final ever festival performance isn't filmed by BBC
GLASTONBURY fans have been left bitterly disappointed as the BBC failed to film one major performance. Iconic band The Searchers performed their final ever gig over the weekend after 70 years of touring across the globe. 3 3 It was a momentous occasion for the band and fans were left over-the-moon that they would get to perform at the country's biggest festival in order to bring their touring career to a close. However, many viewers were left stunned to discover that the Friday night set would not be broadcast by the BBC. The band were due to perform on the Acoustic Stage between 8pm and 9pm. But fans hoping to catch it live streamed on the BBC iPlayer were left fuming when they discovered that there was no dedicated stream for performances on the Acoustic Stage. Reacting in disbelief, one unhappy fan said online: "Surely The Searchers should be on one of the feeds live, last ever show." Before another questioned: "Will the BBC show The Searchers set??" The BBC went on to clarify why they would not be broadcasting the group's final ever gig in a statement. A BBC spokesperson said: "We've celebrated The Searchers on the BBC with interviews with the band but unfortunately the Acoustic Stage is an area we haven't been able to have cameras in throughout the years." Sir Paul McCartney was one of the revellers who was spotted in the crowd for the band's final gig. The Searchers had long been associated with popular Liverpool music venue The Cavern Club - the same club which gave The Beatles their start in the music industry. Rod Stewart surprises Glastonbury fans with THREE huge guests during hit-packed legends slot Ahead of the gig, one of the band's members, Frank Allen, spoke out to share his excitement at appearing at the festival for the very first time in order to close out their momentous career. He said: "I have played shows across the world with The Searchers for over 60 years; Glastonbury has always been an ambition that has eluded us – until now. "The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all. "What a way to round off a tour and a career. I can't wait to get up on stage and give our fans one final blast." Glastonbury 2025 - confirmed acts so far TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far. Confirmed headliners: The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday. Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return. Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night. On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot. More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy. Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night. Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan. 3
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New wave of tickets for Black Sabbath's final gig at Villa Park Stadium go on sale
A new wave of tickets to see Black Sabbath's final gig at Villa Park have appeared on the Ticketmaster website as hopeful fans scramble to secure their spot for Ozzy Osbourne's swan song. Determined heavy metal fans spotted that passes to see Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward together for a final time on July 5, 2025, had become available on Ticketmaster, taking the show from 'sold out' to 'low availability'. When BirminghamLive visited Ticketmaster at 2:45pm on Friday, June 13 there were passes available in a number of sections around the stadium to see what music director Tom Morello is calling 'the greatest heavy metal show ever'. Read more: Victoria Square to be transformed as 200,000 people head to Birmingham Read more: Huge Ozzy Osbourne exhibition in Birmingham as Sharon says 'we had to bring it home' Some 13 seating zones showed as having availability, including blocks in the lower stands. The cheapest of the tickets were priced at £240.22 each while others came in at £412.50 a piece. When tickets went on general sale back on February 14, 2025 they sold out within 16 minutes. Afterwards, fans bid upwards of £20,000 to secure their spots in the stadium, with funds going to Acorns Children's Hospice. Now passes are coming up for sale with those who got theirs permitted to sell via the official Ticketmaster resale platform. It's been a good news day for Black Sabbath fans heading to Birmingham for the star-studded last gig. This morning it was revealed that Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery would host a special Ozzy Osbourne exhibition showcasing the Prince Of Darkness' prized awards and platinum discs. The Working Class Hero exhibition begins on June 25 and will run through summer until September 28. Meanwhile, was also announced that a Black Sabbath photography exhibition would take over Victoria Square all summer.
