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Ozzy Osbourne offered to the fans one last opportunity for Black Sabbath. The legendary rockstar said that the very-last show with a band, ‘Back To The Beginning,’ would be translated for worldwide audiences on July 5th. Another 48 hours after the initial telecast would be granted for on-demand viewing so that people across time zones would not miss what could very well be the final curtain close of an era. Tickets for the global livestream may be bought via the official link released by Osbourne himself.
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This announcement just rocked the arenas, stirring mixed feelings among all of the long-time members. One user said, “We’ll miss you and Black Sabbath, but I promise you the music and your legacy will always be forefront in the history of rock and roll!” Another stated, “You must have walked through that chaotic era of rock… you pushed an entire genre into the mainstream and inspired a whole generation.” The flood gates of gratitude flowed, discussing how far Osbourne’s influence runs in the music industry.
There was not everyone sentimental about this. Questions came up concerning the logistics: Would it be on TV or on a surround sound system? “A lot hangs in the air if I can’t stream Back To The Beginning from my TV,” commented another. Then it went on to track the program across the world, stating that UK viewers will have it 8 hours ahead of the West Coast U.S. viewers.
The gallows humor will never be missed by those that cherish the very moment. “Somewhere in the world, Sharon Osbourne just shuddered,” quipped a fan, giving birth to a very impossible-to-forget mental picture of Sharon, Ozzy’s hard-nosed manager and wife. Another vowed to “wail and sing forever” throughout the broadcast, thereby keeping alive the spirit of what is probably going to be an exceedingly noisy farewell.
But it was not just the bigots reminiscing, tagging down these nuisances will be not something worth doing. International in scale, such reactions came from everywhere. A Japanese fan wrote, “Thank you, Ozzy. If you like, please come to Japan again to eat curry.” Others clung on to find out where the stream would be in their country.
Price began joining the conversation, one saying the ticket price is a “bloody good price,” while another suggested to hold out for a free upload on YouTube. It’s the longtime debate of artist replacement versus accessibility anyway, but maybe a change will come once he receives the bells that might as well be great when he goes down.
Never ever has the emotional depth behind this announcement ever been denied. After decades being the architect for heavy metal and, all contrary odds, more or less turned a life through rock and roll, Ozzy Osbourne is set to close this chapter with Black Sabbath. It might not matter really if he manages a full set or just a few songs, as one skeptic wondered. The remaining factor that does is the fact that he is giving fans all over the world an opportunity to become a part of this moment.
The July 5 livestream is something beyond just another concert—a celebration of a band that forged a whole genre and a frontman that emerged as the most iconic figure inside it. From the tributes of more heart than one can ever describe to the nitpicking of logistics to the inevitable jokes, the reactions bear testimony to the fact that the impact Ozzy and Black Sabbath had transcends music. They made an entire culture. That culture gets to say goodbye along with them come July 5.
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This is much more than a show for people whose convertibles were made to rent through Black Sabbath riffs; it’s an exorcism. The Prince of Darkness may be retiring, but the light he helped ignite never will.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
