On Feb. 23, drummer Tommy Aldridge explained that he didn’t appear at Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park in July 2025. The 75-year-old musician didn’t get an invitation. “I wasn’t invited to be at Ozzy’s last show,” said Aldridge, according to Planet Rock. “That’s as much as I need to say. I wasn’t invited, and I’m not gonna crash someone else’s party.”
Aldridge joined Black Sabbath in 1981. He played on the third solo album, Bark at the Moon, which came out in 1983, and appeared on Speak of the Devil and Tribute before leaving.
“I will say that has no reflection on Ozzy,” said Aldridge. “I have so much admiration and love for Ozzy. Ozzy was someone I spent a lot of time with, and it was by no means any disrespect intended on my part.”
The drummer talked about why he joined 45 years ago. “What motivated me to start with Ozzy was a gentleman by the name of Randy Rhoads and being able to go on stage with that gentleman every night and be in close proximity to his guitar playing,” said Aldridge. “That was my motivation in working with Ozzy.”
Rhoads passed away after a plane crash in 1982. Aldridge described those years as inspiring and crushing. “Working with Randy was indescribably inspirational and devastatingly depressing at the same time with his loss,” he added. The full 35-minute interview will premiere later this year on AldridgeWorld.com, the drummer’s official website.
The musician has played with Gary Moore, Whitesnake, Motörhead, Thin Lizzy, Vinnie Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Black Oak Arkansas, and Pat Travers Band. He joined Whitesnake in 1987, recording six albums with the group before they retired in November 2025. He’s also part of Iconic, the supergroup with Michael Sweet, Joel Hoekstra, Marco Mendoza, and Nathan James. A second album from the group is scheduled for summer 2026. At 75, Aldridge has no plans to retire.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t bang your head violently and still be sensitive. Metalheads get a bad rap for wearing black all the time and brooding in solitude. But guess what? We also play with kittens and hold the door for crabby old ladies who don’t say, “Thank you.” If that isn’t true love, then what is?
If Valentine’s Day is a weird time for your playlist, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Well, maybe you are. But there are plenty of people just like you. Here are six songs about that dreaded little thing called love that you can blast the next time someone says, “Your music is too angry!”
Ozzy Osbourne – “I Just Want You”
The Prince of Darkness can be a real sweetheart when he wants to be. This love letter from Ozzmosis is a perfect example. Much of “I Just Want You” is the Ozzman running down a list of things that he doesn’t believe in, like unwinnable wars and unachievable goals. Those silly notions don’t exist in his world. What exists is love, and it’s the only thing that matters.
Ozzy is so preoccupied with one person that he doesn’t care about all the nonsense happening on Earth. It’s quite the romantic mindset from a guy known for chomping down on bat brains.
Metallica – “Sabbra Cadabra”
It’s cool hearing James Hetfield sing in such a high register. And it’s weird for him to sound so happy. Papa Het never wrote lyrics like, “Feel so good, I feel so fine / Love that little lady, always on my mind.” Mushy stuff like that would be totally out of place on a Metallica record. But, on Garage, Inc., “Sabbra Cadabra” is a standout track bursting with all the love and sick Iommi riffs.
There’s a chance they picked this song because of the riffage. The band couldn’t resist throwing a chunk of “A National Acrobat” into the mix as well, even though lyrically it’s out of place. Still, Hetfield tackles Ozzy‘s vocals pretty well, and Ulrich‘s huge drum sound gives the tender tune the extra oomph that was missing from Black Sabbath‘s original. You’ll get some leg tonight for sure if you throw this on a mixtape for that special little lady.
Deftones – “Rx Queen”
Oh, the things a person will do for love. How far are you willing to go to please your soulmate? Are you okay with getting stung? Can you even say your love is real if you won’t steal a carcass for your other half?
On “Rx Queen,” Chino Moreno promises said carcass to his eternal Valentine with the added twist of feeding off the virus together. Damn, that’s hot. Chicks dig romantic crap like that. The only thing hotter than eating carcass viruses is doing so on the moon next to a fire. Chicks love fire. Think about that when you’re in Rite Aid looking for a lame piece of cardboard to express your feelings.
Black Label Society – “A Love Unreal”
Don’t let the Viking beard and Sons of Anarchy wardrobe fool you. Zakk Wylde gets all sorts of lovey-dovey on “A Love Unreal” without sacrificing the chunky riffs he’s notorious for delivering. The soft intro is just evil trickery to help set the mood before launching into a barrage of tender vows.
Zakk‘s beautiful minute-plus solo makes you believe love can exist even during the most troubling times. If someone handed you the lyrics to this song and said, “Be Mine,” you would drop your pants and be theirs forever.
Korpiklaani – “Under the Sun”
Folk metal has the power to turn any frown upside down. If you need to free yourself from a funk on Valentine’s Day (or any day), just thrown on some Korpiklaani. Your sorrows will soon disappear into an enchanting forest filled with nature’s loveliest creatures.
On “Under the Sun,” Korpiklaani sounds like they’re playing a wedding reception at The Shire. It’s impossible not to feel the love. I don’t think hobbits celebrate Valentine’s Day, but if they did, this song would be on their playlist.
Throughout the track, vocalist Jonne Järvelä acknowledges all the incredible things his significant other does for him, and you get the sense he would be nothing without this person. It’s a thank-you note without actually saying the words, “Thank you,” which is the greatest gift you can give someone.
Lamb of God – “Walk with Me in Hell”
Nothing says love like strolling through a fiery hell with your sweetheart. This song slays so hard that the average listener would think they’re getting yelled at by Satan. But it’s just the devil in disguise. If they dug into the lyrics, they’d realize it’s surprisingly sentimental. This is the tenderhearted side of Lamb of God.
Mark Morton wrote “Walk with Me in Hell” for his wife. He took the vow, “till death do us part” to a whole new level. Alongside punishing riffs and tasteful solos, he promises to remain by his woman’s side through the darkest of times.
Randy Blythe put a lot of passion into the song himself, screaming the line, “You’re never alone!” as if he wrote it. Most people can only dream about having a song this ferocious yet romantic written in their honor.
Valentine’s Day is a time for love and all the corny, sappy stuff that comes with it. But that doesn’t mean the music has to suck. What metal songs make your blackened heart flutter?
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Jack Osbourne has shared deeply personal reflections on his father, Ozzy Osbourne, while also offering a major update on the long-anticipated Ozzy Osbourne biopic during a special holiday episode of SiriusXM‘s Influenced with Billy Morrison.
Appearing on the show, which airs monthly on Ozzy’s Boneyard, Jack revealed that he and his family have been repeatedly dreaming about the Black Sabbath icon — and that those dreams have carried a surprising sense of comfort. “It’s happened to me, it’s happened to my wife and my daughters,” Jack said. “We all keep having dreams about him… and in the dreams, he’s laughing.”
According to Jack, the dreams share a common message. “He’s saying, ‘Just stop fucking crying,’” he recalled, prompting Morrison to reassure him: “He’s good, Jack. He’s not in pain.” Jack agreed, noting that every family member describes Ozzy the same way — laughing.
Morrison added that he, too, has dreamed of Ozzy, reinforcing the emotional weight of the moment for longtime fans of the metal legend.
Beyond reflection, Jack also confirmed that the long-discussed Ozzy Osbourne biopic is finally gathering momentum. “We are in full steam into the next phase of development with his movie,” he said, revealing the project is an acted biographical film that has been in development with Sony Studios for nearly six years.
While Ozzy famously joked about wanting Denzel Washington to portray him, Jack confirmed that casting has gone in a different direction. “Sadly, it’s not Denzel,” he laughed. Still, he teased that the chosen actor is “phenomenal,” with a director already attached and a script rewrite currently underway.
Jack also shared Ozzy‘s characteristically blunt reaction to updates on the project while he was alive. “He’d just go, ‘I don’t give a shit. Just tell me when it’s out so I can go see it.’”
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Ozzy’s Back to the Beginning concert was life-changing. Nothing of that scope had ever been done before. It’s a short list of rock royalty that have the catalogue and resume to headline a concert of that nature. The first question: Was the rock icon in more than one great band? Secondly, do they have enough well-known songs to support this sort of tribute? Thirdly, is the artist living?
The Model of “Back to the Beginning”
In my opinion, the show’s design is genius. Worldwide bands, or “all-star” line-ups of well-known rockers, compile the acts. Each act plays just a handful of songs, including one or more cover songs from the honoree. The honoree plays a few songs solo and a few songs with the band(s) he’s most known for. Who can fit the bill on this?
Rock Icons Built for a Legacy Concert
Sammy Hagar
Sammy Hagar’s time in Montrose, Van Halen, and as a solo artist make Sammy rock royalty. Yet Sammy, much like Ozzy, still has this relatable quality that makes us feel like we know him.
The Red Rocker first broke through in the early ’70s with Montrose, helping define American hard rock with songs like “Rock Candy” and “Bad Motor Scooter.” That era captured the stripped-down, no-frills power that laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
On top of that, Hagar’s solo career delivered its own run of anthems, from “I Can’t Drive 55” to “There’s Only One Way to Rock,” proving he didn’t need a band name to command a crowd.
At the height of his solo career, Sammy was asked to front one of the biggest rock bands of the ’80s, cementing his rock icon status. Hagar was the frontman for Van Halen for roughly 11 years, from 1985 to 1996. His run with Van Halen was packed with chart-topping hits and massive tours. Ten of Van Halen’s thirteen #1 hits on the mainstream rock charts were songs from the Van Hagar era.
Dave Grohl
Grohl first rose to global prominence as the powerhouse drummer for Nirvana, ushering in the grunge sound and attitude of the early ’90s. Albums like Nevermind changed rock forever, and Grohl’s drumming was a huge influence that still echoes through rock radio today.
From the ashes of Nirvana, Grohl reinvented himself by forming Foo Fighters, stepping out front as singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter. What began as a personal project evolved into one of the most consistent and successful rock bands of the last 30 years. GRohl’s catalogue of songs with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters is a treasure trove of songs for a tribute concert.
Grohl has also honored rock’s past by stepping into legendary lineups, most notably performing with Queens of the Stone Age during the Songs for the Deaf era. His work there proved he could slide seamlessly into another major band and elevate their sound without overpowering it.
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page would be a cornerstone choice for a concert in the spirit of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Back to the Beginning” because few musicians can trace the entire arc of hard rock’s creation, rise, and legacy as directly as this rock icon can.
Page first emerged as a defining force in British rock with The Yardbirds, stepping into the band in 1966 and pushing their sound toward heavier blues and psychedelic experimentation.
Jimmy’s next chapter changed rock history. As the founder, guitarist, and primary architect of Led Zeppelin, Page helped create the blueprint for hard rock and heavy metal. Zeppelin’s catalog didn’t just dominate the charts; it redefined what a rock band could be. Page wasn’t just a guitarist. He was a producer, visionary, and sonic architect.
In the 1980s, Page proved his legacy wasn’t locked in the past by forming The Firm with Paul Rodgers. The band showed Page could thrive outside Zeppelin while still delivering powerful, radio-ready rock that honored his roots without repeating them.
Beyond bands, Page’s résumé includes elite collaborations such as Coverdale + Page, world tours with the Black Crowes, and countless studio sessions that quietly shaped the sound of British rock long before fame arrived. Like Ozzy, Jimmy Page isn’t tied to one era: he helped invent the genre, then carried it forward.
David Coverdale
Coverdale first stepped into rock’s top tier when he joined Deep Purple in 1973. Fronting the band during its Mark III and IV eras, he helped usher Deep Purple into a heavier, bluesier direction with albums like Burn and Stormbringer. Songs from that period remain staples of classic rock radio and proved Coverdale could command one of the biggest bands in the world.
Rather than staying put, this rock icon went on to build something entirely his own. In 1978, Coverdale formed Whitesnake, initially rooted in blues rock before evolving into one of the defining hard rock acts of the ’80s. With hits like “Here I Go Again,” “Is This Love,” and “Still of the Night,” Coverdale’s second chapter brought even bigger success. In the 1990s, Coverdale added another prestigious line to his résumé by teaming up with Jimmy Page in Coverdale + Page.
Like Ozzy, David Coverdale represents a complete rock journey — from legendary bands to chart-dominating reinvention — all carried by a voice that has remained powerful, distinctive, and instantly recognizable. That depth, longevity, and authenticity make him tailor-made for a career-spanning tribute of the highest level.
Paul McCartney
McCartney first changed the world as a founding member of The Beatles, helping write and perform the most influential catalogue in popular music history. From early rock and roll to studio experimentation, the Beatles reshaped what a band could be, and McCartney’s melodic instincts and versatility were at the heart of that evolution.
Rather than resting on that legacy, McCartney immediately proved his staying power by forming Wings in the early 1970s. Wings became one of the most successful bands of the decade, delivering chart-topping albums and radio staples that stood entirely on their own. Songs like “Band on the Run” showed McCartney could dominate a new era without leaning on his past.
Alongside those bands, McCartney’s solo career added yet another dimension, producing hits that reinforced his ability to adapt while remaining unmistakably himself. Whether stripped down or arena-ready, his songwriting continued to connect across generations.
Like Ozzy, Paul McCartney represents a complete rock journey; groundbreaking beginnings, reinvention at the peak of fame, and a legacy that continues to resonate decades later. Few artists can headline a career-spanning tribute with material from multiple legendary bands and still leave songs on the table. McCartney isn’t just qualified for a concert of that magnitude; he helped create the blueprint for it.
Honary Mention: Paul Rodgers
Rodgers first made his mark with Free, delivering a stripped-down, blues-driven sound that helped define early ’70s British rock. Free was a huge influence on the hard rock and blues artists that followed. “All Right Now” is still a staple of classic rock.
Paul took that foundation and scaled it up with Bad Company, fronting one of the most successful rock bands of the 1970s. “Shooting Star,” “Feel Like Making Love,” and countless other songs make Paul Rodgers one of the few rockers in more than one great band who has the catalogue to handle a tribute concert of “Back to the Beginning” nature.
In the mid-1980s, Rodgers teamed up with Jimmy Page in The Firm, proving his voice could stand alongside one of rock’s most iconic guitarists. Double that with Rodgers’ time fronting for Queen, and you have the perfect rock icon trifecta: bands, hits, and well-liked in the industry.
Paul has an honorary mention. He is not a likely candidate to accept the honor. The biggest hurdle with Paul Rodgers is his health factors. After suffering multiple strokes in the past decade, Paul prefers to keep things very calm and zen these days. If he didn’t show up for Bad Company’s induction into the Rock Hall, it’s doubtful that he would be willing to perform at a tribute concert… even if he is the guest of honor.
Other strong candidates: Bob Dylan, Eddie Vedder, Brian May, Eric Clapton, Alice Cooper, Maaynard James Keenan, and Jack White
The other missing pieces for creating another rock icon legacy concert: the planners. Tom Morello was enlisted by Sharon Osbourne to put the line-upstogether. Artists aren’t likely to spearhead their own tribute concert. Someone with the right ties needs to start the ball rolling on behalf of the guest of honor. Finding those people will be the secret behind future legacy rock icon legacy concerts.
Over the years, many interesting things have happened in the rock world on Jan. 11. It’s when Nirvana replaced Michael Jackson at the top of the album charts, and when Jimi Hendrix started recording one of his signature songs. These are the most noteworthy events that happened on this day in rock history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Some of the most remarkable milestones we celebrate today are:
1975: Led Zeppelin performed their iconic song “Kashmir” live for the first time in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. It was a part of the Physical Graffiti album, which had been released earlier that year, and quickly became one of their most popular songs.
1992: Nirvana’s sophomore album, Nevermind, reached the top spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart. It replaced Michael Jackson’s Dangerous and went 13x Platinum in the U.S., selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Some legendary performances and recordings happened on Jan. 11. These include:
1967: Jimi Hendrix recorded “Purple Haze” at London’s De Lane Lea Studios. He eventually completed the track a month later at Olympic Studios and released it as a single in the U.K. on March 17, three months before its American release.
1971: Janis Joplin’s second solo album and fourth album overall, Pearl, was posthumously released through Columbia Records. It got to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart and went 4x Platinum in the U.S.
1985: The first edition of the legendary Rock in Rio festival took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It ran for 10 days, had about 1.4 million attendees, and featured some of the biggest names in music history, including Queen, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Whitesnake, Rod Stewart, and AC/DC.
These are the biggest events in rock to happen on Jan. 11, with icons such as Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix taking center stage. Visit us again tomorrow to get a rundown of the most important things that happened on that day in rock history.
The Osbourne family marked their first Christmas since Ozzy Osbourne’s passing with a bittersweet blend of tradition, grief, and love. The legendary Prince of Darkness passed away on 22 July 2025 at age 76. Ozzy leaves a huge hole in the family and in the rock music genre itself.
Kelly Osbourne on their First Christmas without Ozzy
The family gathered in matching holiday pajamas at Sharon’s home in England and posed for photos. They looked great, but there was a sense that this year’s festivities felt profoundly different without their patriarch present.
A meaningful part of the day was remembering Ozzy through the traditions he helped shape. Ozzy loved cooking at home. It’s a side of him that we don’t tend to associate with his on-stage persona. Ozzy frequently spent holiday mornings preparing meals for his family.
For their first Christmas without Ozzy, the role of head chef passed to his son Louis. Louis is Ozzy’s son from his first marriage and he stepped up, honoring his father’s legacy. He prepared the family’s Christmas feast in honor of Ozzy. According to Mirror.co.uk, friends and relatives said Louis’s cooking helped ground everyone. The family was able to celebrate the way Ozzy loved by bringing the family together around the table.
Sharing Memories of Ozzy
Kelly Osbourne shared memories ofhow Ozzy used to dress up as Santa Claus, much to the delight (and occasional terror) of his grandchildren. One longtime Christmas anecdote involves the kids setting booby traps. Kelly recalled the kids putting fishing wire across the hallway to booby trap Santa. When Ozzy, in full Santa gear, triggered their prank setup, Kelly said they almost didn’t get their presents.
This first Christmas without Ozzy’s booming laugh and unpredictable energy wasn’t easy. His family found solace by celebrating the traditions he loved most. Cooking together, sharing stories, and recalling his playful antics: the family honored Ozzy’s memory with a mix of joy and sadness. It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose influence on his family was as powerful as his influence on rock music
Where was Jack Osbourne?
Jack Osbourne spent Christmas in his L.A. home with his wife and daughters. He and his wife, Aree Gearhart, just welcomed their newborn daughter, Maple. Jack and his family enjoyed a more intimate setting for their first Christmas without Ozzy. Kelly and Sharon are heading to visit Jack’s family after the Christmas holiday.
Donielle Flynn has two kids, two cats, two dogs, and a love of all things rock. She’s been in radio decades and held down top-rated day parts at Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington DC radio stations throughout her tenure. She enjoys writing about rock news, the Detroit community, and she has a series called “The Story Behind” where she researches the history of classic rock songs.
Sharon Osbourne has revealed her late husband Ozzy Osbourne’s final words to her before his death, as she opened up for the first time about the rock icon’s last moments.
The Black Sabbath lead singer died in July at the age of 76, nearly five years after he revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and just two weeks after his last live performance with the original lineup of the band at Villa Park soccer stadium in their home city of Birmingham, central England.
“The night before he passed, he was up and down to the bathroom all night, and it was like 4:30 a.m., and he said, ‘Wake up.’ I said, ‘I’m already bloody awake, you’ve woken me up,’” Sharon recalled. “And he said, ‘Kiss me,’” she shared. “And then he said, ‘Hug me tight.’”
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Sharon began to tear up as she remembered their last moment together and questioned if there was more she could have done.
“If only I’d have told him I loved him more. If only I’d have held him tighter,” she said.
She said the next morning Ozzy went downstairs to exercise for 20 minutes before he “passed away” after she said he suffered a heart attack.
Sharon said there was screaming in the house and she ran down to the gym to see what was happening.
“I ran downstairs, and there he was, and they were trying to resuscitate him, and I’m like, ‘Don’t — just leave him. Leave him. You can’t. He’s gone,” she recalled.
In that moment, Sharon said she “knew instantly” that her husband of more than 43 years was “gone.”
“And they tried and tried, and then they took him by helicopter to the hospital and they tried, and it’s like, ‘He’s gone. Just leave him.’”
“He said ‘kiss me’ and then he said ‘hug me tight’…”
Sharon Osbourne describes her last moments with husband Ozzy, telling Piers Morgan he had ‘vivid dreams’ during his final week.
Sharon also shared that Ozzy said he was having “really vivid dreams” during the last week of his life, where he was “seeing people that he never knew.”
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“I said, ‘Well, what kind of people?’ He goes, ‘All different people and I just keep walking and walking, and I’m seeing all these different people every night, and I go back there and I’m looking at these people and they’re looking at me and nobody’s talking.’ And he knew he was ready,” she told Morgan.
2026 Grammy Awards: Osbourne family pay tribute to Ozzy, announce rock and metal nominees
She said that Ozzy asked her if she thought she’d ever get married again after he passed.
“I’m like, ‘F— off, are you joking?’ Piss off,” she said, while laughing.
Morgan asked Sharon if she could ever “imagine marrying anybody else.”
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“Never. Oh my god. No. Never. Ever. Ever. Ever. No,” she responded.
“F*** off!”
Sharon Osbourne’s reaction to being asked if she will ever remarry!
Reflecting on Osbourne’s final performance, Sharon said that the Crazy Train singer “didn’t want to die on stage” but “he knew that it was that close.”
“He’d been so ill this year — terribly, terribly ill. And when we came to England and we were meeting with new doctors here, a new medical team for him, the main doctor said to him, ‘If you do this show, that’s it. You’re not going to get through it.’ And we just sat there and he said, ‘I’m doing it. I want to do it and I’m doing it,’” she recalled.
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Sharon said her husband’s body was “failing” and he was in “so much pain.”
“He had pneumonia three times this year. He’d had sepsis and that’s what really, really destroyed him. I mean, he was on these shots of antibiotics. It used to take 20 minutes for the shot to go in and he had that twice a day. And it kills everything in you, the good, the bad, everything. So much antibiotics and he just couldn’t get over that,” she shared.
She said that he went through with the final show because he wanted “so bad to say thank you to everyone.”
“I think he honestly did know that he was done. It was his time,” she said, confirming that Ozzy knew if he went ahead with the show that it could kill him.
Sharon said Ozzy was “so happy” after being able to participate in his final event, honouring his musical legacy and performing several songs solo before being joined onstage for the first time in 20 years by his former Black Sabbath bandmates. The band ended a short set with Paranoid, one of its most famous songs.
“He kept looking at the papers, and he goes to me, ‘I never knew so many people liked me,’ but that was the way he was,” Sharon said. “I mean, he knew he was famous, but not the amount that people loved him. It’s a whole different thing, and he was just so happy, so so happy.”
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No Ordinary Man: Ozzy Osbourne, heavy metal legend and Black Sabbath frontman, dies at 76
On July 22, Ozzy’s family announced that he had died, saying, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.
We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
Thousands of fans lined Broad Street in Birmingham, England, on July 30 to say goodbye to the rock icon during a funeral procession.
Sharon and two of the couple’s children, Jack and Kelly, followed the late rocker’s hearse in a car as it made its way through the streets of the English city where Ozzy grew up and where Black Sabbath was formed in 1968.
The family of Ozzy Osbourne (left to right), Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne view the messages and floral tributes left at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in Birmingham, England, in memory of Ozzy Osbourne, as the rock icon’s body is brought back to his home city for a procession following his death at age 76. Picture date July 30, 2025.
Jacob King/PA Images via Getty Images
Six vehicles carrying the Osbourne family — who covered all costs for the procession — followed the hearse. They got out of their vehicles to look at the goodbye messages left for Osbourne.
A private funeral service was held for the Osbourne family and close friends later in the day at an undisclosed location.
A lot of iconic rock-related moments took place on Nov. 15, including an early U.S. TV appearance for The Rolling Stones and Dire Straits breaking records in their native U.K. Keep reading to discover all the major events that happened on this day in rock history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
These are some of the biggest milestones of the day:
1965: The Rolling Stones made an appearance on U.S. TV, featuring on NBC during a show called Hullabaloo. They performed “She Said Yeah” and “Get Off of My Cloud.”
1987: Dire Straits became the first ever musical act to sell over 3 million copies of an album in the U.K. The album in question was Brothers in Arms, which went 15x Platinum in the U.K. and 9x Platinum in the U.S., selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Nov. 15 has also witnessed some memorable album releases and stage moments:
1971: Grand Funk Railroad released their fifth studio album, E Pluribus Funk, through Capitol Records. It was a moderate success with critics and the public, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
1983: Ozzy Osbourne released his third solo album, Bark at the Moon, internationally. It signalled a move from the Black Sabbath icon’s classic metal to a more pop-influenced, synth-infused sound and was a big commercial success, going 3x Platinum in the U.S.
1992: Osbourne makes today’s list twice, as he announced his imminent retirement on this day after the last show of his No More Tears tour in Costa Mesa, California. It wasn’t long, though, before he changed his mind and returned to the stage.
From the Stones to Ozzy Osbourne, many rock legends have had major career moments on this day. Check this page again tomorrow to find out what happened on that day in rock history.
Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale stood out as the sole female performer at Ozzy Osbourne’s final Birmingham concert. Stars from top metal bands filled the Back to the Beginning lineup.
“It’s not my first rodeo being the only girl in any situation,” Hale said, per Rolling Stone. “At first, it’s a little unbelievable: ‘I can’t be the only one, there’s so many of us out there.’ But you side with the fact that it’s an honor to be there and represent.”
At the show last July, Hale belted out “Love Bites (So Do I)” and “Rain Your Blood on Me.” She paid tribute to the metal icon with a fierce take on “Perry Mason,” one of his solo hits.
Health issues had forced Osbourne off the road, but this night brought metal’s finest to his hometown. Musicians from across the rock world came together, turning the show into a powerful sendoff.
Fresh from the studio with producer Dave Cobb, Halestorm has dropped their latest work, Everest. This follows their previous success, which brought them a GRAMMY in the Hard Rock/Metal category. You can get the album from the band’s official website.
Halloween is my personal sweet spot for rock and roll tie-ins. SO MANY of my favorite classic rock songs lend themselves to the Halloween spirit. I have chosen songs that aren’t written with Halloween in mind, but they definitely have a Halloween ambiance. While I love those deliberate Halloween rock songs like “Monster Mash,” the majority of the best Halloween classic rock songs are accidental.
Having said that, Alice Cooper is the King of Halloween with “Feed My Frankenstein,” “Welcome to My Nightmare” and so many more. In my opinion, for Alice, every day is Halloween (no Ministry pun intended).
The only other contender I would put up for the King of Halloween title is Ozzy Osbourne. Much of Ozzy’s song content revolves around some sort of horror or magic. (Black Sabbath was named after a 1963 horror movie of the same name.)
The rest of my list has an amazing array of Halloween feels, but none of the songs were written to be “Halloween songs.” It just happened… magically. Let me know what you think of my list! Which songs would you add or remove? I love the discussion of classic rock. Happy Halloween!
13 Unintentional Halloween Classic Rock Songs
#13 “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
“Superstition” of course, has to be song #13. This song has nothing to do with Halloween and yet it has a ton of Halloween culture wrapped into it. What could be more Halloween than black cats, the number 13, and other superstitions? The history between Jeff Beck and Stevie Wonder behind the song “Superstition” is amazing. Click here to check it out.
#12 “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC
“Highway to Hell” was the nickname for the Canning Highway in Australia. It runs from where lead singer, Bon Scott, lived in Fremantle. The highway ends at a bar called The Raffles, which was a big rock ‘n roll drinking hole in the ’70s. As Canning Highway nears the pub, it dips down into a steep decline. “No stop signs… speed limits… nobody gonna slow me down.”
So many people were killed by driving fast over that intersection at the top of the hill on the way for a good night out, that it was called the highway to hell. When Bon was saying “I’m on the highway to hell” it meant to The Raffles bar to rock and drink with his friends. “Ain’t nothing I would rather do. Going down, party time, my friends are gonna be there too.”
#11 “Sympathy For the Devil” – Rolling Stones
The lyrics were inspired by The Master and Margarita, a book by Mikhail Bulgakov. Marianne Faithfull was Mick Jagger’s girlfriend at the time and she gave him the book. In the book, the devil is a sophisticated socialite, a “man of wealth and taste.” It was a brilliant move for the Stones. They were the bad boys to The Beatles. This song helped cement that perception.
#10 “Spirits in the Material World” – The Police
Sting explained the song’s meaning in Lyrics By Sting: “I thought that while political progress is clearly important in resolving conflict around the world, there are spiritual (as opposed to religious) aspects of our recovery that also need to be addressed. I suppose by ‘spiritual’ I mean the ability to see the bigger picture, to be able to step outside the narrow box of our conditioning and access those higher modes of thinking… Without this, politics is just the rhetoric of failure.” Super deep… no actual Halloween affiliation and yet… It’s Halloween rock. Sorry, Sting.
#9 “Boris The Spider” – The Who
This was the first song that John Entwistle wrote for The Who. He also sings on this track. Entwistle was afraid of spiders as a kid and decided to write a song about the spider dropping from the ceiling and getting squished. The song started out a joke. However, it became a fan-favorite at their live shows. It was a nice balance to The Who’s more serious songs. In between the spider and the baseline, this is definitely Halloween rock.
#8 “People Are Strange” – The Doors
If you saw the ’80’s flick, Lost Boys, you REALLY think this is Halloween rock, but that’s not where it came from. The song is about alienation. Jim Morrison was feeling depressed. He realized that “if you’re strange, people are strange.” The lyrics followed from there.
#7 “Black Magic Woman” – Santana
Santana didn’t write this song as a Halloween song. In fact, Santana didn’t write this song at all… Fleetwood Mac did. This is a Peter Green song. Santana and Fleetwood Mac both have blues roots. “I used to go to see the original Fleetwood Mac, and they used to kill me, just knock me out,” Carlos Santana said in the book, The Guitar Greats. “To me, they were the best blues band.” For more songs that you may not know are covers, CLICK HERE
#6 “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” – David Bowie
A song describing a woman’s withdrawal from the world and descent into madness. “When I looked in her eyes they were blue but nobody home. Now she’s stupid in the street and she can’t socialize.” This song wasn’t written for Halloween, but it definitely has the Halloween feels.
#5 “Werewolves of London” – Warren Zevon
This song started as a homework assignment from The Everly Brothers. When Warren Zevon was working with The Everly Brothers, Phil Everly asked Warren and Robert “waddy” Wachtel to write a dance song for the Everly Brothers called “Werewolves Of London.” According to warrenzevon.com, Wachtel and Zevon were good friends and were playing guitars together when someone asked what they were playing. Zevon replied, “Werewolves Of London,” and Wachtel started howling. Zevon came up with the line, “I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand.“ They exchanged lyrics back and forth until they had their song.
#4 “Running With The Devil” – Van Halen
“Running With The Devil” was one of the tracks Van Halen included on the demo that Gene Simmons produced for them in 1977. Gene is the one who had the idea for the horn blare at the beginning. It was the first song on Van Halen’s first album. Although it did not get a lot of airplay when it was released, it’s still a fan favorite today.
#3 “Psycho Killer” – Talking Heads
Let’s jump in the head of a deranged murderer, ya know… just for fun. This song came about when David Byrne decided to write a song from the Alice Cooper playbook during the height of shock rock. Byrne wanted Japanese to be a part of the bridge. He asked a girl who was from Japan to come up with some Japanese murderous lyrical content. She freaked out, but can you blame her? Tina Weymouth knew French, so she wrote that part of the bridge instead. She used Norman Bates as inspiration. Qu’est-ce que c’est? (what is this). “Psycho Killer” was Talking Heads’ first song.
#2 “Bark at the Moon” – Ozzy
A werewolf who comes back from the dead and seeks revenge… You have to love “Bark at The Moon” and Ozzy. As I said, Alice Cooper is the King of Halloween, but Ozzy may have it for a tie… or at least a close second.
#1 “Feed My Frankenstein” – Alice Cooper
“Let me drink the wine from your fur tea cup. Velcro candy, sticky sweet.” This Frankenstein is definitely looking for some kind of trick-or-treat, but I don’t think it’s specifically Halloween-related. “Feed My Frankenstein is actually a COVER. It was originally written and performed by the British band, Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction. Alice’s version features Joe Satriani and Steve Vai on guitar, and Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue on bass.
Most honorable mentions to a couple of old-schoolers: Donovan’s “Season of the Witch” and The Zombies “Time of the Season” are two of my old-school favorites. This list only represents a small slice with the 13 songs. Happy Halloween!
Through November 2025, a striking mix of metal and dance unfolds as the Birmingham Royal Ballet takes its Black Sabbath show on the road. The Sinfonia orchestra breathes new life into eight thundering metal classics, and the performance is called Black Sabbath — The Ballet.
Each act bursts with raw power. “War Pigs” sets the stage ablaze. Then, “Iron Man,” “Paranoid,” and “Black Sabbath” play. Raúl Reinoso, Cassi Abranches, and Pontus Lidberg created the acts with Christopher Austin’s fresh take on the music.
On their website, the Birmingham Royal Ballet said, “Sparks fly in this intriguing new response to Black Sabbath’s music and legacy — the first true heavy metal ballet experience.” Carlos Acosta, the director of the ballet, paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at recent shows after the singer’s death on July 22.
Act one strikes hard. Seventeen dancers clad in black twist and turn as metal meets strings. Next, dancers perform graceful moves matched with taped talks. The show peaks as additional dancers storm the stage to mark metal’s mighty rise.
This bold clash of styles writes a new chapter in art. From the grit of Birmingham’s Aston streets, Black Sabbath sparked a revolution. Critics sneered, but millions fell under their spell as heavy metal took hold.
Guitarist Tony Iommi keeps watch over the music’s soul. Fresh sounds from Marko Nyberg and Sun Keting weave through the band’s fierce hits. The show will storm through Plymouth, London, and Edinburgh before its final bow on Nov. 1. It has received positive reviews and standing ovations. Each venue’s box office stands ready for ticket sales.
Is the primary audience for “Ozzy: No Escape From Now” metalheads … or caregivers? There’s not often a significant crossover audience there. But there’s no mistaking that the Paramount+ documentary about the rocker’s final years is mostly somber stuff, focused more on his pain, frailty and depression than on the few moments when he is convinced to go into entertainer mode, as best he can. The “Diary of a Madman” singer is much more of a sad man in director Tania Alexander’s fairly unflinching portrait of a legendary musician grappling with a diminishing quality of life as his body finds new ways to fail him. Fans expecting something more overtly uplifting may need to buckle up.
It’s clear that when Alexander and her team began filming on the doc four years ago, there was some expectation or at least a hope of finding a story that would end with Osbourne rising up and overcoming his afflictions. But his followers may be surprised to learn — and probably Alexander was, too — that however bad his public thought Ozzy might have been doing as he rescheduled and then canceled gigs, he was actually doing a little bit worse than that. There’s not any whitewashing going on here as the singer’s physical condition goes from bad to worse as filming goes on in period visits over the last four years. It can be a tough watch, seeing someone who has been such an avatar of maniacal fun confessing that his pain is so chronic, he has moments of wanting it all to just end.
At times it does seem like the audience that is most likely to find “No Escape From Now” worth all the frustration and sorrow may be family members who have loved ones dealing with similar issues of creeping decrepitude. But eventually, in the second hour, the film does settle into “fun” mode, or as close as it’s going to get, as the tired and somewhat reluctant star gets nudged toward activities that will bring him moments of respite.
There are all-star recording sessions with his greatest cheerleader, producer Andrew Watt, for what turns out to be a final album, 2022’s “Patient Number 9.” In 2024, he shows up for his even starrier Rock & Roll Hall of Hame induction as a solo artist, with Jack Black infectiously leading the cheer squad. And, of course, in July of this year, Osbourne actually roused himself to sing — from a throne — at a massively publicized and televised farewell concert in his native Birmingham, just three weeks before he died. Just how happy that counts as an ending will be in the eye of the beholder, but it’s happier than some of the earlier passages, where he seems ready to resign himself to a downhill slope, out of the public’s eye.
Along with anything else, this is effectively the two-hour series finale of “The Osbournes,” with a lot less madcap fun and repartee. It’s also a very flattering portrait of Sharon Osbourne — and of course it would be, with her as one of the executive producers — but credibly flattering. It’s hard for a viewer to know for sure if the subject’s wife is as even-tempered, patient and supportive off-camera as on. Still, the tenderness between the two of them, as they become somewhat long-suffering together, sure feels real, as she settles even further into the role of motivational coach for a husband who has very good reasons for feeling like he doesn’t want to get out of bed, let alone do physical therapy. If they gave an Emmy for “best supporting,” leaving off the actress part, you might say she merits it here. And while it seems that Ozzy is being hamstrung by some of the same issues that can befall anyone at his time of life, it’s clear not everyone has a navigator like this to help make a way through it. He’s gotten both the short end and the long end of the stick.
As for what got Osbourne to the sorry state shown in some of these scenes, that’s a sad story that involves what the family insinuates is medical malpractice. If true, it’s a bracing reminder that not even great wealth necessarily brings a correct diagnosis or treatment at every turn. The litany of the singer’s setbacks almost requires a road map: In October 2018, in the middle of a two-year tour, he was forced to cancel everything after getting a staph infection in his neck and a compromised immune system. Four months later, he had a fall, “and that was it,” as Sharon tells it, for his future health.
The doc shows footage of Osbourne happily bopping around in his bed before going in for surgery, with the contention that he came out far worse than he came in — “having posture like fucking Gollum,” as daughter Kelly puts it. The family’s position is that the surgery was “overly aggressive,” with a different surgeon saying he can’t undo all the damage … leading to the crushing realization that, with some calamities in life, there are no do-overs.
“I was getting ready to fucking off myself at some point,” Osbourne says, describing a pain that never leaves him, but “knowing me, I’d half do it and I’d be half dead … I’d fucking set myself on fire. I mean, I wouldn’t die. That’s my luck.” It is a big step forward to get from this mindset to at least being willing to force himself to go back to work, in very slight dribs and drabs, in a way that seems to offer at least a bit of replenishment. But the sight you may most remember from “No Escape From Now” is a scene from that farewell concert in July, half-backstage and on-stage. Osbourne steps onto a riser, looking like a defeated man … and then, a few seconds before coming into public view of his final audience, breaks into his trademark Looney Tunes grin. The abrupt, forced transition is a little bit sad, but we can sure hope that the adoration of 100,000 ultimately turned into a moment of real joy for him.
If you’re a big Ozzy fan, you probably already love him for being brave enough to go out and meet his public one last time, against what we can now see from this film were nearly all odds. But the greater bravery might have been going on camera repeatedly for this doc, and allowing himself to convey that old age is not for the faint-hearted, even as it renders you fainter of heart. That truth feels at least as cathartic, in its own gallows-wisdom way, as a big farewell party.
British rocker Yungblud — who has been praised by the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Steven Tyler and the late Ozzy Osbourne — released his fourth studio album, “Idols,” in June. The album is his third in a row to hit #1 on the U.K. charts.
The 28-year-old said he always knew he would build a career in music — and fought his way through criticism to do it.
Yungblud, who is currently on his Idols World Tour, sat down with “CBS Mornings” recently to talk about his climb to fame, how he overcame a downward spiral, and what it has meant to work with his idols.
“It was the way the music made me feel”
Born Dominic Harrison, Yungblud grew up in Doncaster, England, in a family that owned a chain of guitar shops, and he said he knew he would have a career in music.
“It was the way the music made me feel. When you listen to the Overture of ‘West Side Story,’ it gives me just as many goosebumps as like … ‘Houses of the Holy,’ Led Zeppelin,” he said.
He was drawn to the theatricality of music and trusted his instincts as a performer since his early days performing in school productions.
“When I was on stage, I made people feel something,” he said. “That doesn’t come from a place of cockiness or arrogance, I just knew that I could make people move and I could make people jump and I could make people laugh and I could make people cry.”
At just 15, he moved to London, formed a band and later became known as Yungblud.
“I thought Dominic Harrison was a bit polite,” he said.
His band quickly gained popularity – but not in England at first.
“No one cared in England, but the Netherlands, we’re the biggest rock band in the Netherlands within six months,” he said.
Yungblud soon blew up in the U.K. too, but some doubted his authenticity. The artist, who has ADHD, said his energy has always divided people.
“I think you either love me or you hate me.”
“I was completely out of control”
The higher he climbed on the music charts, the deeper the criticism cut.
“I read every opinion,” Yungblud admitted. “On social media, from a label, from every aspect of my life. I would listen to what everyone had to say. ‘Cause I ultimately— all I’ve ever wanted to be was liked by everyone since school. It really led me into a downward spiral because … I was completely out of control.”
He regained control through boxing. The sport taught him focus and discipline.
“If you waste your energy too quickly, you’re gonna get hit in the face. If you let your anger or your aggression or your emotion get the better of you, you’re gonna get hit in the face. It kinda taught me this, you have to commit to your choices,” he said.
Working with his idols
Aerosmith recently recorded with Yungblud, and Ozzy Osbourne appeared in the 2022 video for his song, “Funeral.”
At Osbourne’s farewell concert in July, Yungblud was invited to perform the Black Sabbath classic, “Changes.”
“In my mind I was like, ‘Oh wow. What an honor.’ Because with that song, I really got to thank my hero,” Yungblud said. “It was like the closest thing I’ve ever seen to magic, like an army roared this chorus because they knew it was the last time.”
Osbourne died less than three weeks later at 76 years old. Prior to his death, he gave Yungblud a cross necklace.
“He says to me, ‘I hope this brings you luck. Don’t compromise. They’ll get it later,’” Yungblud said, relaying Osbourne’s message to him. “I still feel him everywhere, man. It’s crazy. He gave me a gift. He gave me a platform.”
“I want to feel confident enough to pull it off. Because it’s gotta be the fucking best show in the world.” Photo: Paramount+
Ozzy Osbourne died 17 days after his spectacular farewell concert in July, an event that had millions of metalheads in big, beautiful tears over his legacy. It’s doubtful, though, that Osbourne would’ve made the trek to Birmingham, England — or, to be more blunt, still been alive — if it weren’t for the intensive physical therapy he received in the months leading up to the concert. Such is revealed in Ozzy: No Escape From Now, a documentary whose creators had unbridled access to the Osbourne family and their patriarch for the past four years. (It’s now available to stream on Paramount+.) Initially conceived as a project to chronicle Osbourne’s recovery and career bounce-back following a fall in his home in February 2019, No Escape From Now has since morphed into a posthumous opus that ends with the Back to the Beginning send-off in his hometown. There’s also an unexpected detour that chronicles Osbourne’s solo induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in late 2024, which he almost wasn’t cleared to travel to by doctors due to severe blood clots in his legs.
Those legs were spiritually in Lululemon leggings for most of 2025. In order to maintain his strength in the lead-up to Back to the Beginning — Osbourne joked several times that he could no longer build strength, given, well, his batty lifestyle choices in the past — he hired a live-in physical therapist to get him into good-enough working order. The documentary shows him and the therapist, Gary Viles, making use of a Pilates reformer machine to get his lower body and core into a state of movement. “It’s a slow process. I’m not a very good patient,” Osbourne said. “I wanna get it over and done with. I go from nought to fucking 300 in one day. I wonder why I can’t walk the next day, you know.” Viles would guide Osbourne, makeup free and in a sweatband, through rounds of basic footwork and spring changes. Just add a caffè latte and he could’ve been on track to becoming a West Village Girl.
Osbourne in his unnatural habitat. Paramount+.
Osbourne in his unnatural habitat. Paramount+.
“Obviously, one of the objectives is to get him functionally capable for the concert, but more importantly for me is to enhance his overall health for the rest of his life,” Viles explained. “I want to get Ozzy healthy.” At that point, Osbourne was using a cane to walk and suffered from Parkinson’s disease in addition to various other ailments that had plagued the rocker since his fall. Sometimes he used a wheelchair if he was having a particularly bad day because of his spinal damage. “All I can say is I’m working my balls off to get myself ready for the Villa,” Osbourne explained, referring to the benefit concert’s venue. “I want to feel confident enough to pull it off. Because it’s gotta be the fucking best show in the world. It’s gotta be just the best show in the world when I do it. Otherwise, what’s the point in doing it?” His eldest daughter, Aimee Osbourne — who refused to appear on The Osbournesand has maintained a life out of the public eye — enjoyed seeing the men develop an unlikely friendship as their sessions progressed. “Gary couldn’t care less about who he is or who he’s not,” she said, “and just sees a person that has the ability to overcome this and knows exactly how to get him through those moments where he’s about ready to throw the towel in.”
Osbourne, of course, was able to ride the crazy train straight to Back to the Beginning, where he reunited with his Black Sabbath brothers and watched 17 other acts — including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses — pay their respects to his metal holiness. (He even did a five-song set of his own hits, perched on a custom throne festooned with bats.) The concert reportedly raised 140 million pounds for various charities selected by Osbourne, who would later die, surrounded by his family, on July 22. That’s one hell of a way to go out.
Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert with Black Sabbath will hit the big screen in 2026. Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow captures the July 5 performance at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, just weeks before his death at 76.
Black Sabbath stated, “Presented as a love letter to Ozzy and the pioneering sound of Black Sabbath, the theatrical release will be a distilled version of the epic all-day event held at Villa Park. … The film promises a deeply personal and electrifying farewell from the godfather of heavy metal with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and interviews from this iconic live performance,” according to Variety. The film includes performances of “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “Children of the Grave,” “Paranoid,” and other hits.
Action star Jason Momoa hosted, and music giants from many different decades shared the spotlight. Metallica thundered through their set. Guns N’ Roses lit up the stage. Slayer and Pantera added their might to the mix. The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler made surprise visits.
The night peaked with an unforgettable drum battle. Tool’s Danny Carey, Blink-182’s Travis Barker, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith pounded out rhythms that shook the ground. Yungblud and Ghost’s Papa V also took turns on stage.
This show marked the end of a 50-year run with Black Sabbath, pioneers who helped spark the heavy metal sound in the late 1960s. The choice of Birmingham held special meaning. It’s where Ozzy first drew breath and where Black Sabbath first made noise. Music fans can watch an outstanding tribute to Black Sabbath’s pioneering sound. However, the exact premiere date remains unknown.
Workers at Sunnyfields Farm in Totton, Hampshire, built a massive art piece using 10,000 pumpkins and squash to honor Ozzy Osbourne. The display shows the Black Sabbath singer, who died in July at 76.
Sixteen staff members built the giant pumpkin picture in less than five hours. It shows Osbourne with his round glasses while three bats fly near his head.
The public picked this year’s subject through online voting, with most wanting an Osbourne tribute. “We do like to reflect some sort of national pride or culture figure,” Sunnyfields Farm director Thomas Nelson said, according to the BBC. “It’s always risky when you do someone’s face.”
Work started early at 9 a.m. Using tall lifts, they stacked the squash from ground level up. Nelson explained to the Daily Echo, “As you can imagine you start at the bottom, because of gravity, and then as you work up it gets a bit thinner.”
Last year, the farm set a world record for their giant plant mural. Past displays featured Paddington Bear and Beetlejuice, plus art about the pandemic.
The farm’s big fall event starts on October 4 and runs through Halloween. New this year are six hands-on rooms and a special light path with glowing wall art. DJ Alan Turner, who made it to Britain’s Got Talent semifinals, will play music during the first three night shows from October 10.
The farm opens daily, with special night events on 13 different October dates. You can get more info on their website.
GRAMMY-winning producer Andrew Watt spoke with Ozzy Osbourne just hours before his death in July. Their final chat seemed routine, and no one could have predicted what would happen next. “Everything was normal, and the next day the news was just a giant shock,” Watt said, according to Rolling Stone.
For six and a half years, both musicians connected daily while crafting the singer’s final works. Their creative bond started with 2020’s Ordinary Man and hit its peak with 2022’s Patient Number 9. These records marked a turning point.
The music brought them close, and Ozzy’s sixth sense left a lasting mark. “He could see you in your good, your bad, and just in a way that you were — he was witchy like that. He often knew things that were gonna happen before they happened and just had an incredible sense,” Watt shared. He watched Ozzy’s final Back to the Beginning show in Birmingham on July 5. “The experience at the show was unbelievable. … It felt like a heavy metal summer camp,” Watt said.
Old friends reunited that night, including guitarist Jake E. Lee. He hadn’t crossed paths with Ozzy in three decades, and the night before the show held a simple pleasure. “I went out with Sharon to have a curry, ’cause that’s what you eat in Birmingham. And we brought one back to the hotel for Ozzy. Hung out with him for a long time and talked,” Watt added.
A heart attack took Ozzy on July 22. Close friends, including Elton John and Metallica members, gathered at his UK estate for a private farewell. Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, a BBC documentary about his final days, is scheduled for release. Meanwhile, Judas Priest has released a charity version of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” featuring Ozzy’s voice.
A new version of “War Pigs” hit streaming platforms on September 26. The track brings together metal giants Judas Priest with Black Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne in a special duet. The release will support Parkinson’s disease research through sales in the UK. Judas Priest released a cover of “War Pigs” in July, and this new version continues their homage to Ozzy.
Rob Halford and Ozzy trade verses in this fresh take on the Black Sabbath classic. The recording took place just months before Ozzy’s death in July. Each UK stream, download, and physical sale splits funds between The Glenn Tipton Parkinson’s Foundation and Cure Parkinson’s.
“So you get Ozzy singing a line, and then I’m singing a line and Ozzy’s singing a line and I’m singing a line, and it’s the first-ever time in my entire life that I’ve been able to do a duet with Ozzy,” said Halford, according to Louder Sound.
The project started when Sharon Osbourne contacted Halford about adding Ozzy’s voice to Priest’s existing cover. Priest first put out their take on July 2. The band meant it as a nod to Sabbath when they couldn’t make the final Back To The Beginning show on July 5. A prior booking with Scorpions in Germany kept them away.
“That last performance Ozzy gave was extraordinary — like him saying, ‘Thanks for everything, I’m leaving soon,’ though none of us knew it at the time,” Halford recalled to News 4 San Antonio. On July 23, in Scarborough, the band highlighted Ozzy’s lasting impact with visual tributes.
Both bands share a deep link to the cause. Doctors found Ozzy had Parkinson’s in 2003, and Priest’s Glenn Tipton got the same news in 2008. While Tipton stepped back from full tours in 2018, he still joins shows for special moments. Fans can find “War Pigs” on major music apps now. Physical copies are also coming soon.
Sharon Osbourne, widowed when her husband Ozzy died two months ago, has finally broken her silence — and she did it to express gratitude and to let her fans know how she is coping.
Rock’s Prince of Darkness Ozzy Osbourne died at 76 at the end of July after battling Parkinson’s disease and less than two weeks after his final show.
Now, 72-year-old Sharon has posted an uplifting video of herself and her daughter Kelly Osbourne, 40, enjoying what looks like a fabulous time with owls and other birds of prey.
She wrote alongside the sweet footage, “I’m still having trouble finding the words to express how grateful I am for the overwhelming love and support you’ve shown on social media. Your comments, posts, and tributes have brought me more comfort than you know. None of it has gone unnoticed, in fact, it’s carried me through many nights.”
She went on, “Though I’m still finding my footing, I wanted to share some glorious creatures I had the chance to spend an afternoon with. The connection you make with these powerful birds is built entirely on trust and confidence. They’ll choose to perch on you only if they sense you are safe and unafraid of them. It’s a bond I know all too well, and the experience was nothing short of magical.”
Sharon ended her note with, “I love you all, and I thank you deeply for the otherworldly amount of love you continue to send my way. ✌️❤️”
Among celebrity supporters reacting to the words and images were Emma Bunton aka Baby Spice (“You beautiful soul, sending so much love to you all ❤️”), Wolfgang Van Halen (“❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”), and Carrie Ann Inaba (“Good to see you friend…. 💜”).
At the end of the video, Sharon smiles broadly for the camera.
Kelly wrote on her own account, “Today I introduced my mum to falconry and she loved it! Thank you @gerardsulter for putting a smile on my mum’s face too! 🦉”
Sharon Osbourne has shared a heartfelt message to fans on social media following the death of her husband Ozzy Osbourne on July 22. The X Factor alum had kept out of the spotlight following the devastating news of Ozzy’s passing, but on Friday 12 September, she shared a lengthy post thanking everyone for their support and messages, admitting that they have helped her get through the past few weeks. She accompanied the post with a video of herself with her daughter Kelly Osbourne, which had been taken during a trip to Cornwall Falcony Farm, where they had paid a visit during a trip to the British coastal town.
Sharon Osbourne seen with daughter Kelly during bittersweet outing
She wrote: “I’m still having trouble finding the words to express how grateful I am for the overwhelming love and support you’ve shown on social media. Your comments, posts, and tributes have brought me more comfort than you know. None of it has gone unnoticed, in fact, it’s carried me through many nights. “Though I’m still finding my footing, I wanted to share some glorious creatures I had the chance to spend an afternoon with. The connection you make with these powerful birds is built entirely on trust and confidence.
Sharon Osbourne penned a touching tribute to fans thanking them for their support following Ozzy’s death
“They’ll choose to perch on you only if they sense you are safe and unafraid of them. It’s a bond I know all too well, and the experience was nothing short of magical. “I love you all, and I thank you deeply for the otherworldly amount of love you continue to send my way.” Comments included: “Sharon we are all thinking of you and sending you so much comfort and love,” and “Sending much love your way, Sharon. So lovely to see you bonding with the amazing owls.” Another fan wrote: “We love you Sharon! You are not alone in this! As painful as it is, he brought nothing but joy and happiness and that is what we need to celebrate moving forward! Much love to your family. We love you all!!!”
Sharon with daughter Kelly at Ozzy’s public procession in Birmingham in July
In the video, Kelly could be heard saying to her mother: “Mom, put your hand out.” A bird is then seen flying to Sharon and landing on her gloved-up arm, before the TV personality replied, “I don’t have anything to give you.” Kelly had originally shared the video on her own Instagram post, and wrote: “Today I introduced my mom to falconry and she loved it! Thank you @gerardsulter for putting a smile on my mom’s face too!”
Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne had been married since 1982
Ozzy passed away on July 22 due to cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease. He was 76 years old and had performed just weeks prior in his final concert, the Back to the Beginning show in Birmingham, which was attended by more than 40,000 fans.n
