Earlier this month, some of the biggest names in hard rock and metal gathered in Birmingham, United Kingdom, for Back to the Beginning. The one-day music festival celebrated the legacy of Black Sabbath. It also marked Ozzy Osbourne’s final live performance as a solo artist and as a member of Sabbath’s original lineup.
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While fans knew they were saying farewell to Osbourne, they likely didn’t realize how final that farewell would be. Less than three weeks after Back to the Beginning, the Prince of Darkness passed away, surrounded by his loving family. Fortunately, he left behind a deep discography and an immortal legacy. Additionally, there are countless videos from his final performance with Black Sabbath. Watch them close their final set with “Paranoid” below.
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“Unfortunately, we’ve come to our final song. Ever,” Osbourne said, introducing the tune. “I just want to say to you on behalf of the guys in Black Sabbath and myself, your support over the years has made it all possible for us to live the lifestyle that we do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. We love you,” he added before the band kicked into one of the most iconic songs in heavy metal history.
“Paranoid” Put Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne on the Map
Black Sabbath released a pair of singles from their self-titled debut album in 1970. However, they failed to chart. Then, later the same year, they released “Paranoid,” the title track and lead single from their second album, and the world took notice.
“Paranoid” was an international hit, peaking at No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and landing within the top 5 in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. More importantly, the song became a favorite among fans and remained the band’s trademark song for more than 50 years. It also helped make their sophomore album their first No. 1 in the United Kingdom.
It made sense for “Paranoid” to mark the end of Ozzy Osbourne’s career and likely the end of Black Sabbath. The popularity of the song allowed them to become an in-demand band in the 1970s. The song helped them leave their mark on the music world and inspire countless artists. The iconic opening riff ringing out after Osbourne said his final “thank you” to the fans was a full-circle moment, and one that those in attendance will likely never forget.
Featured Image by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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