Fans saddened by Ozzy Osbourne’s state during final Black Sabbath performance

Ozzy Osbourne performed his final live show with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham on Saturday, July 5, but some fans described his appearance as “sad”

Ozzy Osbourne performed from his throne at his final show(Image: BBC)

Opinions were split among Ozzy Osbourne enthusiasts regarding the iconic rocker’s swan song performance on Saturday. At 76, Ozzy appeared on stage in Birmingham seated regally upon a throne to deliver five tracks during Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning farewell concert in his native city.

However, some attendees and those streaming live couldn’t shake off their discomfort at witnessing their hero push through despite many health challenges.

Ozzy’s fervent followers are recognizing what feels like the twilight of an era as he graced the stage for the last time, with his ailments apparent as the audience supported him through his performance.

One fan, who made the journey from Saudi Arabia via London, expressed mixed emotions: “I’m conflicted. He’s obviously enjoying himself but it’s sad to see him in this physical state. It feels like an end of an era.”

Ozzy took to the stage at Black Sabbath farewell concert in Birmingham(Image: BBC)

Another fan on X wrote, “Feel a bit sorry for Ozzy being wheeled out like that. He clearly isn’t fit and well.”

Another speculated, “I feel bad for Ozzy. Yeah it’s his last ever live show but it’s kinda gross how a visibly unwell man is being wheeled out like this by Sharon.”

Yet another person commented with empathy: “Very sad, Ozzy in a goth wheel chair.”

In contrast, some fans embraced the moment, “As much as I am against this final Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath show, the videos I’ve seen on Twitter and Youtube, Ozzy sounds a lot better than I expected,” professed one admirer online.

After informing fans last month that he “may be sitting down” for his curtain call at Villa Park due to health woes, Ozzy’s final bow coincided with Black Sabbath receiving the freedom of Birmingham.

The founding members of the iconic heavy metal band, formed in Birmingham in 1968, were honored with scrolls and medals at a ceremony over the weekend.

Terence “Geezer” Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward were recognized for their profound impact on the city’s cultural and musical identity, as well as their pioneering role in shaping the heavy metal genre both locally and globally.

Black Sabbath seen here back in the 1970s(Image: Chris Walter/WireImage)

Throughout their illustrious career, the band released eight albums that sold over 75 million copies worldwide. They are now gearing up for their highly anticipated Back To The Beginning farewell show on July 5.

During the ceremony, Ozzy revealed that the idea for the reunion concert was conceived by his wife, Sharon. The band has received numerous accolades, including their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, a Lifetime Ivor Novello Songwriting Award in 2015, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

In his speech at the freedom of the city ceremony, Osbourne expressed his gratitude, saying, “I first put an advert in a music store in town. If these guys hadn’t come to my door, I wouldn’t be sitting here now.

“It seems to have flown by so quickly. It’s amazing. I think about my dad, who went into debt to buy me a microphone. If only he could be here now. I think he would be very proud. I’m a Brummie and I always will be a Brummie. Birmingham forever!”

Butler remarked, “This is a great working class city, and we’re all working class, from Aston. We weren’t given a chance when we started out, but Birmingham has always been behind us. People used to make fun of our accents, but we’re all proud Birmingham people and we love this city. It’s one of the greatest cities ever, it’s given the world so much and we’re proud to be here.”

Ozzy revealed that the idea for the reunion concert was conceived by his wife, Sharon(Image: Ian West/PA)

Iommi chimed in, “It’s a great thing to receive. Birmingham is our home, and we love what Birmingham has done for us. We’ve got the bridge and the bench, things like that. We’re very grateful.”

Ward shared, “It’s completely overwhelming. I’m so proud to be an Astonian. That’s where I got my attitude.

“I was blessed – and cursed! – to meet Tony when I was 15, and I’m so proud that I got to know Geezer and Ozzy. They’re my brothers. I love them very much and we love our city very much.”

The rock icons were bestowed the honor of Honorary Freeman, and at the event, their names were revealed engraved on the Freedom of the City marble board.

The scrolls came courtesy of local outfit Hilton Studios, while the medals saw their genesis at Fattorini based in the Jewellery Quarter.

Student Toby Williams of the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University took the laurels for medal design, winning the competition.

These legends have their legacy etched into the fabric of the city with a bridge bearing their name as a lasting monument to their legacy.