Black Sabbath bassist reflects on ‘fragile’ Ozzy during heartfelt final performance

Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Show with Black Sabbath

A few weeks prior to his passing, Ozzy Osbourne had a heartfelt reunion with Black Sabbath during what turned out to be his last performance.

Geezer Butler reflected on nearly 60 years of friendship since the band’s inception in 1968, emphasizing the significance of their final show near their hometown.

Ozzy passed away on July 22nd, after enduring numerous health struggles, at the age of 76.

Kelly Osbourne shared cherished memories of her father through social media.

Butler described Ozzy as a “born celebrity” who always sought to entertain, dubbing him the “Prince of Laughter.”

Before the concert on July 5th, Butler noted that while Ozzy was aware of his declining health, he was still taken aback by how “frail” Ozzy looked in the days before the performance. “I knew he wasn’t well, but seeing his frailty was shocking,” he expressed in a recent essay.

Butler observed, “He required assistance from two aides and a nurse during rehearsal, using a distinctive black cane adorned with gold and jewels.” He added that Ozzy spoke little beyond standard greetings and could only manage to sing for a few songs before showing signs of exhaustion.

The event, hosted by Jason Momoa, was a massive 10-hour lineup featuring acts like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. Legendary drummers took the stage to perform Sabbath covers, celebrating their enduring legacy.

For his final set, Ozzy was lifted onto a black throne, accompanied by striking visuals, and played iconic songs like “Crazy Train” while seated. “You can’t imagine how I feel,” he addressed the audience, showing deep gratitude.

Butler recalled the uncertainty at the show’s end, noting, “It felt strange—we didn’t have our usual ritual of hugging and bowing because Ozzy was seated.” He reflected on wishing for more time to bond backstage, acknowledging how things ended feeling peculiar yet profound.

Butler remarked, “None of us knew it would be just weeks after this performance that he would be gone, but we cherish those moments shared with his fans.” He expressed immense gratitude for the years spent together, highlighting the challenge of summarizing a remarkable friendship of 57 years in mere words.

Hailing from Aston, West Midlands, England, Ozzy’s early passion for theater shifted to music following a life-changing encounter with The Beatles. “Hearing ‘She Loves You’ was a transformative experience,” Osbourne had recounted in an interview.

After a troubled youth, including a brief stint in prison, he was recruited by Butler to join what would become Black Sabbath in 1967.

In the years leading to his death, Ozzy contemplated the legacy he wished to leave behind as he battled Parkinson’s disease. “Survival is my legacy,” he stated, reflecting on his resilience and the value of his journey.