Ozzy Osbourne: The Prince of Darkness Biography & Final Act
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne, born December 3, 1948, is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality who rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, where he adopted the moniker "Prince of Darkness."
- Full Name: John Michael Osbourne
- Born: December 3, 1948 (Birmingham, England)
- Spouse: Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982)
- Children: Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Jessica, Louis, Elliot
- Bands: Black Sabbath (1968–1979, 1997–2006, 2011–2017, 2025), Solo Career (1980–2025)
- Key Albums: Blizzard of Ozz (1980), Diary of a Madman (1981), No More Tears (1991), Patient Number 9 (2022)
- Health Battles: Parkinson's disease (diagnosed 2003), numerous spinal and neck surgeries following a 2019 fall, and ongoing mobility issues.
- Final Live Performance: "Back to the Beginning" benefit concert, July 5, 2025, at Villa Park, Birmingham.
- Age at Final Show: 76 years old.
The final concert was a testament to his sheer will. Despite his physical challenges, which had forced him to cancel his planned 2023 and 2024 tours, Osbourne was intent on performing one last time in his hometown. The July 5, 2025, show was the culmination of that desire, a powerful and emotional event that brought together the original lineup of Black Sabbath for a final, historic moment.
The Historic Black Sabbath Reunion: Back to the Beginning
The "Back to the Beginning" concert was monumental not just for Ozzy, but for the entire metal community, as it featured a reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup: Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass, and Bill Ward on drums. While Black Sabbath had officially concluded their farewell tour, "The End," in 2017, the chance to perform in their birthplace of Birmingham one last time for a charitable cause was a call they couldn't refuse.
The show was a day-long metal marathon, featuring an all-star lineup of bands who came to pay tribute to the metal pioneers. Acts like Mastodon, Anthrax, Halestorm, Lamb of God, and Rival Sons all performed, setting the stage for the main event. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of celebration and somber finality, as 40,000 fans gathered to witness history.
Ozzy Osbourne's Solo Setlist: The Final Five Songs
Ozzy's portion of the night was a powerful, though shorter, reflection of his solo career. His limited set was a careful selection of his most iconic tracks, delivered with a passion that belied his physical state. The crowd's reaction was reportedly overwhelming, with a wave of emotion washing over Villa Park as he performed.
The final five songs Ozzy Osbourne performed live were:
- "I Don't Know"
- "Mr. Crowley"
- "Suicide Solution"
- "Mama, I'm Coming Home"
- "Crazy Train" (The definitive final song of his solo career)
The inclusion of "Mama, I'm Coming Home" was a particularly poignant moment, interpreted by many as a direct farewell to his fans and a nod to his return to his roots in Birmingham.
Black Sabbath's Final Set: A Legacy Etched in Iron
The true climax of the evening was the Black Sabbath performance. With the original four members together again, they delivered a thunderous set that reminded everyone why they are universally credited with inventing the heavy metal genre. This was the final time the original Sabbath lineup would ever grace a stage, a moment that definitively closed the book on one of rock's most influential bands.
The Black Sabbath setlist for the "Back to the Beginning" concert included:
- "Fairies Wear Boots"
- "Into the Void"
- "Snowblind"
- "War Pigs"
- "N.I.B."
- "Iron Man"
- "Children of the Grave"
- "Paranoid" (The final song performed by the original Black Sabbath)
The performance of "Paranoid" was the ultimate, roaring conclusion to the night and to the band's career. It was a powerful, emotional, and fittingly heavy end to the saga of Black Sabbath, leaving fans with a memory that will be talked about for generations.
The Emotional Context: Health, Farewell, and Legacy
The months leading up to the final show were marked by a candid honesty from Ozzy about his declining health. He had been vocal about his struggles with mobility, telling fans in January 2025, "I can't walk, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all my complaining, I'm still alive." His determination to perform, even against doctors' warnings, was a testament to his commitment to his fans and his art.
The "Back to the Beginning" concert was more than just a musical event; it was a final, public act of defiance against his physical limitations. The emotional weight of the night was palpable, with his wife Sharon Osbourne later revealing the profound, final words he shared with her shortly after the performance.
While the live touring chapter of his career is now closed, Ozzy Osbourne's legacy is secured. His solo work and his time with Black Sabbath have influenced countless bands across multiple generations, cementing his status as a foundational figure in rock and metal. The final concert on July 5, 2025, was not an ending, but a celebration—a raucous, tear-filled, and unforgettable farewell from the one and only Prince of Darkness.
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