😢 Days before his final bow, Ozzy Osbourne whispered THIS to Tony Iommi… and it’ll break your heart. 💔
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Ozzy Osbourne’s Heartbreaking Final Words to Tony Iommi: A Farewell to the Prince of Darkness

Introduction

On July 22, 2025, the heavy metal world was shaken by the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, at age 76. Just weeks earlier, on July 5, Osbourne took the stage for the band’s final performance, Back to the Beginning, in his hometown of Birmingham, England. Battling Parkinson’s disease and complications from a 2019 fall, Osbourne’s determination to perform one last time left an indelible mark. In a poignant interview with ITV News, guitarist Tony Iommi revealed Osbourne’s final words to him: “Oh, it went all right, didn’t it?”—a simple phrase that encapsulated a lifetime of friendship and music. This article delves into Osbourne’s final days, his emotional farewell, and the legacy of a rock legend.

The Final Performance: Back to the Beginning

The Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park Stadium was a historic moment. For the first time in nearly 20 years, Black Sabbath’s original lineup—Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—reunited to perform for 40,000 fans in person and 5.8 million via livestream. Osbourne, visibly frail and seated in a black leather throne due to his health, delivered five solo tracks and four Black Sabbath classics, including “Paranoid” and “Iron Man.” The performance was a testament to his resilience, as he pushed through chronic pain and exhaustion to say goodbye to his fans.

Iommi later shared that Osbourne’s health had been deteriorating during rehearsals. “He’s not looked well through the rehearsals,” Iommi told ITV News. To manage his condition, the band limited his rehearsal time, bringing him in to sing a few songs before sharing laughs about “rubbish old times.” Despite his struggles, Osbourne’s determination shone through. Sharon Osbourne, his wife, fought insurance companies to ensure he could perform, arranging for him to sit during the show to meet safety requirements. This act of love allowed Osbourne to fulfill his final wish: to perform for Birmingham, the city where Black Sabbath was born in 1968.

The Heartbreaking Final Words

After the concert, Osbourne, wheeled into Iommi’s dressing room, shared a brief but emotional moment. “He came around before he was leaving on a wheelchair to say goodbye and have a little chat,” Iommi recalled. “He seemed all right. He enjoyed it. And he said, ‘Oh, it went all right, didn’t it?’ I said, ‘Yeah, it did.’” This understated exchange, filled with quiet pride, marked their final in-person interaction. A day before his death, Osbourne texted Iommi, admitting he was “tired” and had “no energy left,” a chilling foreshadowing of his passing. Iommi later reflected, “I think he really just held out to do that show.”

The simplicity of Osbourne’s words belied their weight. For a man who had spent decades as the larger-than-life “Prince of Darkness,” this quiet moment with his lifelong friend revealed a vulnerable side. Iommi, who met Osbourne at school in Aston, Birmingham, described the loss as “like losing a brother.” Their 57-year friendship, forged through the highs and lows of Black Sabbath’s career, made the moment deeply personal.

Ozzy’s Health Struggles

Osbourne’s health had been declining for years. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003, he faced increasing mobility issues, compounded by a 2019 fall that required multiple surgeries, including a spinal operation in 2023. By 2025, he relied on a wheelchair for mobility and struggled with chronic pain. Despite these challenges, Osbourne remained determined to perform. Iommi noted that Osbourne underwent “training” to prepare for the concert, driven by a sense that it might be his last act. “I think he must have had something in his head that said, ‘Well, this is the last thing I’m ever gonna do,’” Iommi said.

The concert’s physical toll was evident. Osbourne’s attempts to stand during the performance, despite his condition, moved fans and bandmates alike. “You could see he was trying to get up,” Iommi said, highlighting Osbourne’s frustration and determination. The emotional high of the show carried him through his final days, with sources close to the family noting he remained “energized” post-concert.

The Legacy of Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath, formed in 1968, is widely credited with creating heavy metal. Osbourne’s raw, haunting vocals, paired with Iommi’s groundbreaking guitar riffs, defined albums like Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). The band’s influence spans generations, inspiring artists from Metallica to Slipknot. The Back to the Beginning concert was a fitting end, bringing the original lineup together to celebrate their Birmingham roots. Drummer Bill Ward, absent from recent reunions, added a nostalgic touch, though Iommi jokingly noted, “We said, ‘Don’t take your shirt off, Bill, please.’”

Osbourne’s solo career, launched after leaving Black Sabbath in 1979, further cemented his legend. Albums like Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and No More Tears (1991) showcased his versatility, while his reality show The Osbournes (2002-2005) introduced him to a new generation. His final solo album, Patient Number 9 (2022), featured collaborations with Iommi, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck, proving his enduring relevance.

The Outpouring of Grief

Osbourne’s death prompted a global wave of tributes. Fans flocked to Birmingham’s Black Sabbath Bridge, leaving flowers, candles, and messages. A mural on Navigation Street and a condolence book at Birmingham Museum became pilgrimage sites. Iommi suggested a statue of the full band as a fitting tribute, reflecting Osbourne’s pride in his hometown. Bandmates Geezer Butler and Bill Ward shared heartfelt posts, with Ward writing, “You’re forever in my heart.” Sir Elton John and Johnny Depp also paid tribute, with Depp joining Alice Cooper to perform “Paranoid” in London.

Sharon Osbourne and their children—Aimee, Kelly, and Jack—issued a statement expressing “more sadness than words can convey.” Kelly’s final video of Ozzy, shared on Instagram two days before his death, showed him at breakfast with her and her son Sidney, smiling and saying, “Good morning!” The tender moment underscored his role as a family man, contrasting his wild stage persona.

The Role of Social Media

The viral spread of Osbourne’s story highlights social media’s power to amplify legacies. Clips of the Back to the Beginning concert, shared across TikTok and X, reignited love for Black Sabbath. Hashtags like #OzzyForever and #PrinceOfDarkness trended, with fans sharing memories of his bat-biting antics and heartfelt ballads. However, the rapid spread of his final text to Iommi also sparked debate about privacy, as some questioned whether such personal moments should remain private. Regardless, the outpouring of love reflects Osbourne’s universal appeal.

The Challenges of a Rock Legend’s Farewell

Osbourne’s final performance was a logistical and emotional feat. Insurers initially opposed his participation due to his health, but Sharon’s advocacy ensured he could take the stage. The decision to seat him in a throne was both practical and symbolic, evoking his larger-than-life persona. The concert’s success, despite his frailty, speaks to Osbourne’s enduring charisma and the band’s brotherhood. Iommi’s shock at Osbourne’s rapid decline—“We didn’t expect him to go that quick”—underscores the unpredictability of his final days.

Conclusion

Ozzy Osbourne’s final words to Tony Iommi—“Oh, it went all right, didn’t it?”—capture the understated strength of a man who lived for his fans. His determination to perform one last time, despite crippling health issues, was a final act of love for the music and community he helped create. As Black Sabbath’s legacy endures, Osbourne’s story reminds us that even the wildest rock stars leave behind moments of quiet humanity. His passing marks the end of an era, but the Prince of Darkness’s roar will echo forever in the hearts of fans worldwide.