Ozzy Osbourne Closes the Birmingham Show With His Last “Mr. Crowley”: An Emotional Farewell to the Prince of Darkness
BIRMINGHAM, UK — July 8, 2025 — The air was electric at Villa Park as fans from across the globe gathered for what would become a historic night in rock history. Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and one of the most iconic voices in heavy metal, delivered his final live performance in his hometown of Birmingham. And in a moment that will be remembered forever, he closed the show with his haunting masterpiece, “Mr. Crowley,” leaving thousands of fans in tears.
The End of an Era
After decades of electrifying performances, scandalous headlines, and groundbreaking albums, Ozzy’s final concert was always going to be a monumental event. The entire evening had been a celebration of his legacy, with a setlist that spanned his remarkable career—from his earliest days with Black Sabbath to his legendary solo works.
But nothing prepared the audience for the emotional weight of the finale.
As the opening notes of “Mr. Crowley” echoed through the stadium, a chill swept through the crowd. The eerie organ intro, famously played by keyboardist Don Airey on the original recording, sent shivers down every spine in attendance. Ozzy appeared at center stage, wearing his signature black cloak, arms outstretched, under a single spotlight.
“This is the last time I’ll sing this song for you…,” Ozzy said with a heavy heart. “Let’s make it one to remember.”
A Song That Defined a Legacy
“Mr. Crowley,” first released in 1980 on Blizzard of Ozz, has long been regarded as one of Ozzy’s most defining tracks. Inspired by the infamous English occultist Aleister Crowley, the song became an anthem for generations of metal fans and showcased the soaring guitar work of Randy Rhoads alongside Ozzy’s haunting vocals.
For many fans, it symbolizes everything that made Ozzy great—his dark, mysterious persona, unmatched theatricality, and raw emotional power.
At the Birmingham concert, the song took on a deeper meaning. As Ozzy sang the lyrics, “Mr. Crowley, what went on in your head?”, it felt like he was singing not just to the crowd but to his own legacy—questioning the madness, magic, and mayhem that shaped his extraordinary life.
The Crowd’s Emotional Response
Throughout the night, the atmosphere was electric. Fans, young and old, had traveled from around the world to witness this farewell show, but as “Mr. Crowley” began, the mood shifted from celebration to somber reflection.
Phones lit up the stadium like stars in the night sky, and many fans could be seen wiping away tears as Ozzy’s voice rang through the darkness.
“He’s been the soundtrack to my life,” said Rachel Morgan, 42, who traveled from Manchester for the show. “Hearing him sing this song for the last time… it’s like saying goodbye to a piece of my soul.”
Ozzy’s Final Bow
As the last notes of the guitar solo faded away, Ozzy stood silently at center stage, soaking in the thunderous applause. His eyes glistened with tears, but he raised his hands and smiled.
“Thank you, Birmingham,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. “Thank you for giving me everything.”
He then bowed deeply to the crowd, blowing kisses and flashing the iconic peace sign before slowly walking off stage, leaving behind a deafening roar from the fans.
The video screens displayed a message as he exited:
“Farewell, from The Prince of Darkness. Forever in your hearts.”
Reactions Pour In
Social media erupted with emotional posts from fans and fellow musicians alike.
Slash, who had performed earlier in the show, posted on Instagram:
“An honor to share the stage with Ozzy one last time. ‘Mr. Crowley’ was absolutely bone-chilling. A true icon.”
Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy’s daughter, shared a tearful message:
“Dad, you did it. You went out like the legend you are. I’ve never been prouder. #MrCrowleyForever”
Even longtime Black Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi took to X (formerly Twitter) to write:
“Birmingham was the perfect place for Ozzy’s final bow. ‘Mr. Crowley’—what a way to go out. Love you, brother.”
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Though this may have been his final live performance, Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy is far from over. His music will continue to influence countless bands and fans for generations to come.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd slowly left the stadium, one thing was clear: The world had just witnessed the end of a chapter, but the story of Ozzy Osbourne—the Prince of Darkness—will live on forever.
And in the hearts of every fan who stood in that crowd, the haunting melody of “Mr. Crowley” will forever echo, a reminder of a legend who refused to be forgotten.
Farewell, Ozzy. And thank you.
