LONDON — Hard-rock royalty and some 40,000 fans gathered for an ear-splitting tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at what the heavy metal icon says was his last-ever live performance.
The original lineup of Osbourne's band Black Sabbath performed at Villa Park soccer stadium in their home city of Birmingham, central England, on Saturday.
The 76-year-old singer, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, sang from a black throne that rose up from under the stage.
''Let the madness begin!'' he urged as he took the stage, and later paid tribute to fans.
''I don't know what to say, man, I've been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart,'' Osbourne said. ''You're all … special. Let's go crazy, come on.''
Osbourne performed several songs solo before being joined onstage, for the first time in 20 years, by Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Terence ''Geezer'' Butler and Bill Ward. The band ended a short set with ''Paranoid," one of its most famous songs.
It capped a day-long metal festival that included performances from the likes of Anthrax, Metallica and Guns N'Roses. Artists who sent plaudits and well-wishes included Jack Black, Dolly Parton and Elton John.
''You are one of the most remarkable singers of our time,'' John said. ''You are the king, you are the legend.''
