Ozzy Osbourne has died just weeks after reuniting with Black Sabbath for an epic final gig at Villa Park in Birmingham.
His family said in a statement on Tuesday (22 July): “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.” He was 76 years old.
Ozzy and Big Issue crossed path a number of times over the years. In 2018 we explained Brexit to him. Back in 2014 he reflected on his drugs and booze years, shame and what happened on his wedding night for his unflinchingly candid Letter to My Younger Self. But one of his last acts on stage also helped raise cash for Big Issue behind the scenes.
On 5 July, Big Issue was tasked with selling commemorative programmes at Back to the Beginning – Ozzy and Black Sabbath’s incredible farewell gig.
The show, which saw 76-year-old Ozzy seated on a black throne leading Sabbath through four of their classic hits, and closing with Paranoid, brought together many titans of rock including Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax and more.
As fans travelled from all over the world to be part of heavy metal folklore, Big Issue’s vendors were there to greet them, equipped with copies of the programme.
