Ozzy Osbourne Says Farewell with Hometown Show for 40,000 Fans

BIRMINGHAM, UK — July 14, 2025
Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for what may be his final live performance, bidding a powerful and emotional farewell to more than 40,000 fans at Birmingham’s Villa Park—just miles from where his journey began over five decades ago.

The hometown show was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of survival, resilience, and a love letter to the city that birthed both Ozzy and Black Sabbath. The 76-year-old icon, though visibly frail and requiring assistance on stage, was met with thunderous applause and emotional chants of “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!” that echoed into the night.

A Night for the History Books

The atmosphere was electric as fans from around the globe filled the stadium, united in their devotion to the “Prince of Darkness.” Many came wearing vintage tour shirts, Sabbath patches, and hand-painted signs thanking Ozzy for decades of music that shaped generations.

From the moment the first notes of “War Pigs” rang out, it was clear that this wasn’t just a show—it was a farewell ritual, laced with gratitude and pride. Ozzy’s voice, though weathered, still carried the same raw edge that had once shocked the world in 1970. Joined by Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and a specially invited lineup of guests including Zakk Wylde and even Slash, the setlist spanned classics from Black Sabbath’s early days to solo hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”

“I’m Home, and I’m Saying Goodbye”

After performing a stripped-back acoustic version of “Changes,” Ozzy paused, wiping away tears. “This is where it all began,” he said, his voice cracking. “A kid from Aston who just wanted to make noise. And look at what you gave me. You gave me everything.”

He continued, “I don’t know if I’ll ever do this again. So let this be my thank you. I love you, Birmingham. I love you, my fans. Always have, always will.”

The crowd erupted into chants and tears as phone flashlights lit up the stadium like stars. For many, it was the emotional high point of the night.

Sharon, Kelly, and Jack Watch Proudly

In a private box overlooking the stage, Sharon Osbourne was seen watching with quiet emotion, flanked by children Kelly and Jack. At one point, cameras captured Sharon mouthing the words “He did it” with a proud tearful smile.

Kelly later posted to social media, “This was more than a concert. This was the end of an era, the closing of a chapter that changed the world.”

Jack added, “Watching my dad do what he was born to do, in the city that made him, was the most powerful thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

Legacy That Will Echo Forever

For many fans, the show wasn’t just a goodbye—it was a reckoning with mortality. Ozzy’s health has been the subject of much speculation in recent years, with diagnoses ranging from Parkinson’s disease to multiple spinal surgeries. But despite his frailty, his fire remained intact.

Metal fan Darren from Manchester summed it up best: “Ozzy didn’t have to prove anything tonight. He already gave us everything. But he still came back to say goodbye. That’s who he is. He’s real.”

The concert was filled with symbolic tributes—images of Ozzy’s early years projected behind him, footage of Sabbath’s early gigs, and a surprise tribute video from artists like James Hetfield, Dave Grohl, and Rob Halford.

Farewell, But Not Forgotten

As the final encore—“Paranoid”—thundered through Villa Park, pyrotechnics lit up the sky while Ozzy stood center stage, arms raised in the shape of a cross, soaking in every second. It was a final act of defiance and devotion.

Ozzy Osbourne may never take the stage again, but his voice, his spirit, and his influence will remain immortal in the annals of rock history. As he exited to a deafening roar, there was no sadness—only gratitude.

Because in that moment, in his hometown, under those lights, Ozzy didn’t just say goodbye.

He reminded us why he’s a legend.

Setlist Highlights:

• War Pigs
• Mr. Crowley
• Bark at the Moon
• No More Tears
• Changes (Acoustic)
• Mama, I’m Coming Home
• Paranoid (Encore)

Final Words on Screen:
“THANK YOU, OZZY — YOU’LL ALWAYS BE OUR PRINCE OF DARKNESS.”