The music world is currently mourning the loss of the great Ozzy Osbourne and remembering the incredible impact of one of his final acts.
Aged 76, the Black Sabbath frontman's passing was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement on Tuesday (22 July).
It read that the rock star was 'with his family and surrounded by love' as he passed away that morning.
Osbourne had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019 and was made to miss a number of tour shows as a result.
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Following a fall that year, the eccentric performer also suffered from a number of other health problems.
Prior to his death though, the British entertainer made one last powerful gesture following his iconic Back to the Beginning concert.
Featuring the likes of Osbourne himself and Black Sabbath, they were also preceded by legends such as Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, and performances from Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and Slayer.
The show also marked Black Sabbath's first in 20 years with its original line-up of Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Osbourne.
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Performed at the home of Osbourne's beloved Aston Villa, Villa Park, the show made an impact that would be felt beyond the music world.
After telling the crowd to 'let the madness begin', Osbourne would emotionally admit to fans: “I don't know what to say, man, I've been laid up for like six years.
"You have no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The concert raised £140m for charity according to the event's musical director.
Tom Morello, who is also the guitarist for rock band Rage Against The Machine, sent the message out on Instagram, saying: "We raised a ton of money for a great cause and so many great musicians, bands and fans all over the world paid tribute to the all time greats."
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He also thanked Osbourne for trusting him to be the Musical Director, adding that it had been 'over a year' in the making.
"All profits from the show “Back to the Beginning” held on July 5, will be paid to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s hospital & Acorn Children’s Hospice," he said in a separate post.
The Birmingham show will contribute greatly to the health organisations involved, as Acorns Hospice CEO Trevor Johnson had said in the past that the donations would allow the charity 'to be there for more children and families'.
It was a 'lovely delight' said the Birmingham Children's Hospital of being a beneficiary of the gig, with the aim to improve patients' and families' experiences in the hospital.
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Cure Parkinson's fights for a cause close to the Osbourne's heart, as Ozzy was diagnosed almost six years prior to his passing, with the charity's director, Andy Simons, admitting they were 'over the moon' to be involved.
Osbourne's presence will also be missed in the music world, with many popular names showing tribute to the 'Crazy Train' singer.
Topics: Ozzy Osbourne, Music, Celebrity
Joshua Nair