Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne expressed astonishment at the overwhelming support from his admirers following his final performance, his widow Sharon has disclosed.
The Black Sabbath frontman told Sharon Osbourne "I had no idea that so many people liked me" after taking his final bow at Birmingham's Villa Park on July 5.
The revelation emerged as Sharon reflected on the triumphant final show, explaining that her husband had "always been in his own bubble" throughout his legendary career.
The Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park marked the first reunion of Black Sabbath's original lineup since 2005. The historic performance raised funds for Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorns Children's Hospice.
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Ozzy Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019 | GETTY
During his emotional address to the crowd, Osbourne declared: "You've no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart."
A message displayed on screen afterwards read: "Thank you for everything, you guys are f***ing amazing. Birmingham Forever," as fireworks illuminated the sky.
The farewell show was livestreamed globally alongside the sold-out stadium audience. Sharon described the event as a "phenomenal" achievement, noting it was unprecedented for an artist to retire through a streamed charity concert.
Sharon spoke to Pollstar on July 17 about her husband's retirement concert, expressing satisfaction that her long-held ambition had been realised. "I never wanted Ozzy to just disappear without some big event," she explained during the interview.
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Sharon Osbourne was comforted by her children Jack and Kelly as she burst into tears at Ozzy's funeral procession
| PAThe television personality described the Birmingham farewell as the "perfect way" to conclude his extensive career.
She highlighted how the concert brought him back to his roots in the city "where it all started" at his favourite venue, home to his cherished Aston Villa football club.
Sharon revealed that numerous bands had offered to participate in the tribute, though time constraints prevented additional performances.
The concert's success fulfilled her desire for a memorable send-off, with the unique format combining live attendance with charitable fundraising through streaming.
Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne died at the age of 76 | GETTY
The rock icon succumbed to a heart attack at his residence on July 22, merely seventeen days following his emotional Birmingham performance. His death certificate listed acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease as causes, alongside Parkinson's disease with autonomic dysfunction.
The musician had battled Parkinson's since 2003, publicly acknowledging his diagnosis in 2020. His health challenges included seven operations over five years, with a fourth spinal procedure completed in 2023.
Prior to his farewell concert, Osbourne had expressed hopes of continuing studio recordings despite retiring from live performances.
His final solo release, 2022's Patient Number 9, featured collaborations with Tony Iommi, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck, amongst others.
Sharon Osbourne and Ozzy were together for over four decades | PA
The family's statement confirmed he died "surrounded by love", requesting privacy during their bereavement.
Birmingham residents lined the streets in their thousands on July 30 to honour the beloved musician during his public funeral procession. A brass band led the cortege performing Black Sabbath classics whilst mourners sang along, with the hearse passing Osbourne's childhood home in Lodge Road, Aston.
Ozzy Osbourne remained in high spirits right to his final performance
|GETTY
Sharon accompanied their children Jack, Kelly and Aimee, plus Osbourne's son Louis from his first marriage, as they visited tributes at Black Sabbath Bridge. The Lord Mayor praised Osbourne as a "working class hero" who remained humble despite his fame.
The BBC will broadcast a documentary titled "Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home" on August 18, chronicling the musician's final years. The hour-long programme captures the family's attempts to relocate to Britain whilst managing Osbourne's declining health.