BREAKING: Black Sabbath GUITARIST Tony Iommi C…read more.
In a moving tribute that has stirred emotions across the rock and metal community, Tony Iommi, co-founder and legendary guitarist of Black Sabbath, has revealed that his bandmate and close friend Ozzy Osbourne pushed himself to the limit to perform one last time with the band just days before his passing.
Ozzy Osbourne, who died earlier this week at the age of 76, had been battling multiple health issues in recent years, including Parkinson’s disease, spinal injuries from a fall, and chronic pain. Yet despite the toll these challenges had taken on his body, the “Prince of Darkness” was determined to give fans and his bandmates one final farewell. According to Iommi, Ozzy’s participation in Black Sabbath’s final show, held just days before his death, was nothing short of miraculous.
“He was in pain. He was tired. But he wanted this he needed this,” Iommi said in an emotional interview. “He held out just long enough to say goodbye on stage, to the fans and to us. That was his gift.”
A Legendary Final Bow
The final show, a private tribute event held in Birmingham Black Sabbath’s hometown was originally meant to be a modest reunion. What it became, however, was a historic and emotional farewell. Ozzy reportedly insisted on performing at least three songs, including “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and their signature track, “Paranoid.”
“He struggled to even walk backstage,” Iommi shared. “But the second he took that mic and faced the crowd, he came alive. It was like something lifted him. You could see it in his eyes he was doing what he loved most, one last time.”
Fans who were lucky enough to attend described the atmosphere as deeply emotional. Many didn’t know it would be the last time they’d see Ozzy perform. “He looked fragile, but his voice man, that voice still sent chills,” said one longtime fan. “We were all crying by the end.”
An End of an Era
Ozzy’s death marks the end of an era in rock music. As the frontman of Black Sabbath, he helped shape heavy metal as a genre. With Iommi’s dark, sludgy guitar riffs, Geezer Butler’s thunderous basslines, and Bill Ward’s chaotic drumming, Black Sabbath wasn’t just a band they were a movement.
Iommi, who had known Ozzy since their school days in Aston, said their friendship endured for more than five decades despite numerous ups and downs. “We had our fallouts. We had years apart. But we always came back together. Because deep down, we were brothers,” he said, voice cracking.
“I always thought he’d outlive us all,” Iommi added. “He was tough. But I think once he said his goodbye on that stage, something in him let go.”
A Final Gift
Ozzy’s widow, Sharon Osbourne, also shared her thoughts, revealing how important that last show was to her husband. “He told me, ‘I don’t want people to remember me hooked up to tubes. I want them to remember me on stage, with Sabbath.’ And he got that. He made it happen,” she said.
Doctors reportedly warned Ozzy against performing, citing the risk to his already deteriorating health. But according to Sharon, “Ozzy never listened to doctors anyway.”
The performance, now being referred to by fans as the “Final Sabbath,” is expected to be released in full as a tribute concert film. Proceeds will reportedly go to Parkinson’s research and other charities close to the Osbourne family.
A Legacy That Lives On
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. From Metallica’s James Hetfield to former bandmates like Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, the message has been consistent: Ozzy Osbourne was more than a performer he was a force of nature.
“I don’t know what the world of rock looks like without Ozzy in it,” Iommi said. “But I do know he left on his own terms. He left after doing what he loved, with the people he loved. That’s rare.”
As fans continue to mourn, many take comfort in knowing that Ozzy got to share one last magical moment with the band that started it all. For Iommi, that final performance will remain one of the most powerful memories of his life.
“That last night,” he said, “was Ozzy at his core. Loud. Defiant. Full of heart. And completely unforgettable.”
