On July 5, 2023, Jack Osbourne honored his father, Ozzy Osbourne, as the iconic rocker performed his final live set with Black Sabbath at the Back to the Beginning festival in Birmingham. At 76, Ozzy captivated an audience of about 42,000 fans with a dynamic five-song solo set that included timeless hits like “Mr. Crowley” and “Crazy Train.” Following his solo performance, he was joined by the original Black Sabbath lineup—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for a powerful four-song encore featuring classics such as “War Pigs” and “Paranoid.” Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, Ozzy performed while seated on a throne but radiated energy, telling fans, “Let the madness begin!”
Following the event, Jack shared nostalgic footage on social media of his father bringing him on stage during his childhood, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned over the years. Jack conveyed heartfelt sentiments with a message on Instagram: “For everything I learned along the way…the final Good Night We Love You All.” Jack’s sister, Kelly Osbourne, along with their mother, Sharon, also shared their own insights and moments from the unforgettable occasion, while their sister Aimee remained silent on social media about the event.
The concert featured an exceptional lineup, drawing dozens of legendary figures from punk, hard rock, and heavy metal, including performances from Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Alice in Chains. Unique collaborations surfaced with supergroups coming together for medleys, showcasing talents like Travis Barker jamming alongside Steven Tyler and Ronnie Wood. Kourtney Kardashian shared her pride for Barker’s involvement, posting footage of him performing a rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Symptom of the Universe.”
Earlier in February, the Osbourne family announced plans for one last Black Sabbath show, emphasizing the importance of giving back to Birmingham, where Ozzy was born. This event was intended to raise funds for local charities, including the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice—an initiative Ozzy was deeply passionate about. “It’s time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” he said, highlighting Birmingham as “the true home of metal.”
Following his Parkinson’s diagnosis and a serious spinal injury, Ozzy decided to retire from touring. Recently, he shared with the Guardian that he could no longer walk but remained determined to perform for his hometown fans. “I do weights [and] bike riding… It’s tough,” he admitted, revealing the hardships of physical rehabilitation. Despite his challenges, he aimed to deliver a memorable performance, knowing it would differ from his energetic past.
Ozzy’s illustrious career began with Black Sabbath in the late 1960s, transitioning to a successful solo act in 1979. Selling over 100 million albums and earning his rightful place in the U.K. Music Hall of Fame, Ozzy’s legacy is monumental in the music world. His final performance serves as both a celebration of his contributions and a testament to the raw energy that has defined his career, leaving fans nostalgic for the music and the man who gave them so much.
