The Black Sabbath icon passed away in July at the age of 76, at his home in the UK, after battling Parkinson’s disease in the later years of his life.
Just 17 days before his passing, Ozzy returned to his hometown of Birmingham to take the stage with Black Sabbath for the “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert — a final performance that marked the end of an era for both him and his fans.
The Brummie rocker managed to raise an incredible $190 million for charity through the show, with the proceeds evenly divided between Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Cure Parkinson’s, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Speaking to Pollstar prior to Ozzy’s passing, Sharon shared the touching response her husband had after stepping out in front of the packed crowd at the sold-out Villa Park stadium.
Although Ozzy seemed genuinely taken aback by the overwhelming love he received that night, Sharon admitted that the outpouring of support was no surprise to her at all.
She explained: “Oh my God, the metal fans are the most loyal fans in the world! When they’re a fan, you’ve got them for life. They don’t go anywhere.”
Tragically, earlier this week it was confirmed that Ozzy died from a heart attack.
According to a death certificate filed by his daughter, Aimée Rose Osbourne, the official cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest. Coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction were also noted as “joint causes” that contributed to his passing.
Fans had the chance to say a final goodbye to the heavy metal legend on July 30 during a public procession through Birmingham.
As the hearse carrying his coffin traveled along Broad Street, the crowd erupted into chants of “Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy,” paying tribute to the man who had been a towering figure in music for decades.
