BIRMINGHAM, England — Sharon Osbourne disclosed that she excluded a band from attending her husband Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert with Black Sabbath due to their desire for profit. In a recent interview, she stated the unnamed group’s intentions were inappropriate given the significance of the occasion.
Sharon, 72, expressed her disappointment in the band’s approach, emphasizing that it was not a suitable time for commercial motivations. “After the show, I’ll let everybody know who it was. I think people will be shocked,” she said, hinting at the group’s identity and the overarching sentiment of the evening.
On Saturday, 76-year-old Ozzy joined his Black Sabbath bandmates, including Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward, for a memorable final performance at Villa Park, the site where the legendary group was formed over five decades ago. This landmark event brought together numerous iconic acts, including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, and was hosted by Jason Momoa, star of “Aquaman.”
The concert spanned 10 hours, showcasing a variety of artists who paid tribute to the foundational influence of Black Sabbath in rock music. Ozzy had previously announced in February that this concert would be his last due to significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2020. The legendary singer underwent spinal surgery last year, which halted his touring plans and left him with lasting mobility issues.
Reflecting on the concert, Ozzy shared his heartfelt connection to Birmingham: “It’s my time to go back to the beginning … time for me to give back to the place where I was born. How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham forever.”
In a candid conversation with Rolling Stone UK, Ozzy expressed his struggles with illness and the harsh realities of aging. He candidly noted, “At best, I’ve got 10 years left, and when you’re older, time picks up speed.” His reflections also touched on the idea of assisted suicide, detailing a pact he has with Sharon, emphasizing that he wishes to avoid a prolonged and painful existence, citing the suffering he witnessed with his father’s battle with cancer.
As the curtain fell on this unforgettable chapter in rock history, fans and fellow musicians united to honor the legacy of Black Sabbath. Despite the emotional weight of the occasion, Sharon Osbourne’s revelations serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the music industry, even when celebrating some of its most iconic figures.