BREAKING: Black Sabbath Founder Tony Iommi Pa…read more.
Tony Iommi, co-founder and iconic guitarist of Black Sabbath, has opened up about the final days of Ozzy Osbourne, revealing that the late singer pushed himself beyond his limits to share one last moment on stage with his bandmates just days before his passing.
Ozzy Osbourne, who died earlier this week at the age of 76, had long been dealing with serious health problems, including Parkinson’s disease, lingering injuries from a fall, and ongoing physical pain. Despite all this, he was determined to perform with Black Sabbath one final time. Iommi described the show as Ozzy’s final act of love for the band, the fans, and his legacy.
“He was suffering, no doubt about that,” Iommi said in a heartfelt conversation. “But he wouldn’t back down. He wanted to say goodbye his way on stage, with the people who mattered most to him. That gave him the strength to carry on a bit longer.”
A Show for the Ages
Held privately in Birmingham, the city where Black Sabbath was born, the event was meant to be a simple reunion. It became a historic farewell, filled with emotion. Ozzy reportedly chose a short but powerful setlist, performing classics like “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and “Paranoid.”
“He was visibly weak,” Iommi said, “but the second the lights hit him and he grabbed the mic, something changed. He came to life. You could see it in his eyes this was where he belonged.”
Those who witnessed the performance described the energy as unforgettable. Many were unaware it would be Ozzy’s final appearance. “You could feel the love in the room. We didn’t know it would be the last time, but it felt sacred,” said one attendee.
Saying Goodbye
Ozzy’s death marks the end of a monumental chapter in rock history. As the voice of Black Sabbath, his influence on heavy metal is undeniable. Together with Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward, he helped build the foundation of a genre that would span generations.
Iommi reflected on his lifelong bond with Ozzy, saying their friendship lasted more than 50 years despite the occasional falling out. “We had our clashes, sure. But we always found our way back. We were more than bandmates we were brothers,” he said.
“I always pictured him outliving the rest of us,” Iommi admitted. “But after that show, I think he felt at peace. Like he had finished what he needed to do.”
Sharon Osbourne: “He Wanted to Be Remembered on Stage”
Sharon Osbourne also shared insights into her husband’s final wishes. “Ozzy didn’t want people to remember him as someone struggling to walk or hooked up to machines,” she said. “He wanted his final image to be doing what he loved most performing. And he got that.”
Doctors had warned Ozzy that performing could be dangerous, but according to Sharon, “Ozzy never let fear stop him. He lived his life on his own terms.”
Plans are reportedly underway to release footage of the performance as a tribute film, with all proceeds going to Parkinson’s research and other charities close to the Osbourne family.
A Global Outpouring of Grief and Gratitude
Musicians from around the world have honored Ozzy in the days since his passing. Rock legends like James Hetfield and longtime collaborators like Geezer Butler and Bill Ward praised the singer’s irreplaceable presence and influence.
“Ozzy wasn’t just a frontman. He was a spirit, a storm,” Iommi said. “His energy was contagious. He left a mark on this world that will never fade.”
Though the loss is heavy, fans and fellow artists alike are finding comfort in knowing that Ozzy had the chance to end his journey on his own termson a stage, with his voice echoing through a crowd one final time.
“For me,” Iommi added, “that last night was everything Ozzy was about power, passion, and heart. It was the perfect goodbye.”
