Black Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne Makes Shocking Statement as His Statue Stands Tall at Villa Park Ahead of Farewell Show
*BIRMINGHAM, UK – July 6, 2025* — Heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, frontman of the iconic band Black Sabbath, sent shockwaves through the rock world today with an unexpected announcement during a ceremony unveiling a life-size statue of him at Villa Park, the home of Aston Villa Football Club. The tribute, erected in his hometown of Birmingham just days ahead of his long-anticipated farewell concert, brought fans, family, and fellow rockers to tears — and then to stunned silence.
The bronze statue, designed by renowned sculptor Damien Hirst, captures Osbourne in his classic outstretched arms pose, wearing his signature round glasses and long trench coat. It now stands proudly outside Villa Park’s North Stand, a permanent reminder of the Prince of Darkness’s indelible connection to Birmingham.
“I never thought I’d live to see the day,” Osbourne said with his trademark rasp. “This city raised me, saved me, and nearly killed me — but I owe everything to Birmingham. And to stand here, outside Villa Park, where I snuck in as a lad to watch the matches, it’s… surreal.”
But what truly stunned fans was what came next.
“In all honesty,” Ozzy continued, voice trembling, “this Saturday’s show won’t just be the final Black Sabbath concert — it’ll be the final time I ever perform on stage. This is it. I’m done. No comebacks this time.”
Gasps rippled through the gathered crowd, which included Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, along with Ozzy’s wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack. For decades, Osbourne had been known for retirement teases and miraculous returns. But this announcement carried a heavy sense of finality.
The statement has ignited an outpouring of emotion across social media. Fans and fellow musicians have flooded platforms with messages of gratitude, disbelief, and nostalgia.
“He’s the godfather of metal, and he’s earned his rest a thousand times over,” tweeted Metallica’s James Hetfield. “But damn… the end really is near.”
The Villa Park statue, a project commissioned by both Aston Villa FC and Birmingham City Council, was a closely-guarded secret until this week. Unveiling it now, ahead of the final performance of Black Sabbath’s “Final Sabbath” tour — to be held right at Villa Park this Saturday — served as a deeply personal tribute to Ozzy and his roots.
The statue itself includes subtle nods to Ozzy’s storied past. Etched into the base are lyrics from “Paranoid” and “Iron Man,” while a small bat figure is carved into the hem of his coat — a cheeky homage to the infamous 1982 bat-biting incident.
Tony Iommi addressed the crowd after Ozzy’s speech, saying, “We’ve shared a wild ride, one that started in this very city. To see Ozzy immortalized like this — it’s more than fitting. It’s destiny.”
The upcoming concert is expected to draw over 40,000 fans from around the world. The performance will mark the band’s first full set in their hometown since 2017 and is set to feature special guests rumored to include Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and Ozzy’s own children joining him for a surprise finale.
As the ceremony wrapped up, Ozzy turned to the statue and whispered, “See you on the other side, mate.” Whether he meant the statue, the city, or the stage itself, no one knows for sure.
What is certain is this: Birmingham will never forget its son, the Prince of Darkness — and now, thanks to Villa Park, they won’t have to.
