The devastating information that Ozzy Osbourne has died landed Tuesday afternoon, and the rock world stays in a state of absolute shock. The steel pioneer had been in failing well being for years, however he carried out simply 17 days in the past at Black Sabbath‘s Again to the Starting all-star tribute and was in nice spirits that evening.
As of now, there’s no phrase on how Osbourne died. “It’s with extra unhappiness than mere phrases can convey that we now have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has handed away this morning,” his household mentioned in a press release. “He was along with his household and surrounded by love. We ask everybody to respect our household privateness at the moment.”
The tiny silver lining to this tragedy is that the heavy-metal and hard-rock neighborhood was given an opportunity to indicate Osbourne simply how a lot they liked him earlier within the month on the Again to the Starting live performance in Birmingham, England. The unbelievable lineup included Metallica, Weapons N’ Roses, Pantera, Slayer, Software, Lamb of God, Billy Corgan, Steven Tyler, Tom Morello, Sammy Hagar, Anthrax, Alice in Chains, Zakk Wylde, and lots of others. Every performed a handful of their very own tunes together with Black Sabbath classics.
Close to the tip of the evening, Osbourne appeared onstage in a leather-based chair and sang “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Suicide Answer,” “Mama, I’m Coming House,” and “Loopy Prepare” with veteran members of his solo band. There have been considerations beforehand in regards to the state of his voice in mild of his well being points, however he labored arduous to prep for the evening, and sounded unbelievable.
The live performance wrapped up with Osbourne and the unique Black Sabbath lineup taking the stage collectively for the primary time in 20 years. This was a second many metalheads thought they’d by no means see, contemplating the previous dangerous blood with drummer Invoice Ward, and the truth that Sabbath already performed a farewell live performance in 2017 on the finish of their final tour. However ending the Sabbath legacy with out the 4 authentic members was by no means going to be satisfying.
Sabbath performed “Battle Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid,” whereas all of the performers from all through the night watched from the wings. It will be not possible to script a greater farewell efficiency for Ozzy.
The live performance was live-streamed world wide and can come to film theaters in early 2026. It’s The Final Waltz of heavy steel, and we’re all very fortunate it came about.
