Ozzy Osbourne, the godfather of heavy metal and legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, has died at age 76—just weeks after sharing an emotional farewell with fans at Villa Park.
The milestone concert, featuring Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, marked his final bow after decades of genre-defining music and infamous stage antics.
Tributes from around the world continue to honor Osbourne following his passing. From fellow musicians to public figures, the outpouring reflects the legendary impact of the Black Sabbath frontman.
A feature-length film capturing Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s final performance is slated for theatrical release in early 2026. Titled Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, the 100-minute concert film will showcase highlights from the all-day event held at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5, 2025.
Announced via Osbourne’s official X account, the film promises exclusive backstage footage and interviews, offering fans a personal look at the heavy metal icon’s farewell. The concert, which featured a reunion of Black Sabbath’s original lineup and performances by rock legends such as Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, drew tens of thousands in person and millions more via livestream.
Jim Simpson, the original manager of Black Sabbath, paid heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osbourne following the rock icon’s death, describing him as “one of the good guys.” Simpson, a Birmingham music promoter who helped launch the band’s career in the late 1960s, recalled Ozzy as a “really sweet natured man” and “always a pleasure to be with”.
Reflecting on their last meeting, Simpson shared a quiet moment they spent together during Ozzy’s star ceremony on Birmingham’s Broad Street. “It was just him, me and his two aunties,” Simpson said. “He was lovely towards them. It was: ‘Auntie, would you like another cup of tea?'”
He added, “This was not the bat head biting off Ozzy Osbourne that the world knows,” offering a glimpse into the softer side of the heavy metal legend.
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