It was the heavy metal gig to, for many fans, end all heavy metal gigs as Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath bade farewell to live performing supported by a host of legendary music acts in front of 40,000 fans.
The group, formed in Birmingham in 1968, rocked out Villa Park in a homecoming gig that had created a huge buzz in the city in recent weeks.
They were joined by acts including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and Slayer with guest appearances from the likes of Ronnie Wood, Steven Tyler and Jack Black.
Fans travelled from across the world and sported their own rockstar outfits for the farewell – with everything from tattoos to socks bearing Osbourne’s name or image.
US heavy metal band Metallica also played at the show [Ross Halfin]
Thousands of fans packed Villa Park for the legendary concert [Getty Images]
The legendary frontman, 76, who has Parkinson’s disease, sang while seated on a black throne.
“I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years…thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he told the crowd.
“You are the best, each and every one of you.”
Tickets for the concert sold out well in advance [BBC]
Famous musicians and celebrities sent in video messages that were played at the show, alongside messages from fans.
“You are one of the most remarkable singers of our time,” Sir Elton John told Osbourne in his message.
“You’ve been through so much crap in the last few years – I hope this is the best day of your life so far.”
Fireworks lit up the stadium as Black Sabbath bade farewell to their fans [BBC]
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