Ozzy Osbourne issued an emotional statement as he took to the stage for the final ever time. The rock star, 76, reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005 at Birmingham's Villa Park on Saturday night. Bidding an emotional farewell to his decades of performing live on stage, the musician made a show-stopping appearance in a black quilted throne with a huge bat on top as deafening cheers filled the jam-packed stadium.

Adopting his signature look, Ozzy sported a long black leather jacket and dark eye makeup. As he stepped onto the stage for the final time, he told the crowd: "It's so good to be on this f***ing stage," before adding: "Let the madness begin!" Ozzy's final performance comes amid rising concerns for his health as he has undergone seven surgeries in the past five years. He has also been battling Parkinson's disease since 2019.

And his health battles became apparent on stage as he sipped on water and appeared to use throat spray after performing his first song. Despite his repeated physical setbacks, Ozzy's vocals were as strong as ever.

More than 42,000 heavy metal fans descended into Villa Park for the Back to the Beginning show, witnessing Black Sabbath return to their hometown 56 years after they formed there. Ozzy, who is married to Sharon Osbourne, was overcome with emotion as he thanked fans for their endless support during his glittering career.

"You've got no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he told the crowd after performing Suicide Solution.

Sharon, who also acts as Ozzy's manager, had previously informed her husband that his 2019 tour would be his final one. It was during this tour that Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

The band postponed the European leg of the tour in order to let Ozzy recover at home. Further disaster later struck for Ozzy when he "stupidly" decided to attempt "diving into bed". The lights were off and the rocker believed he knew where his bed was positioned, but he missed and came crashing down to the floor.

According to Sharon, this incident exacerbated a quadbike injury that Ozzy sustained in 2003. He was rushed to intensive care and informed that he would require surgery or risk becoming paraplegic.

Ozzy described it as the "worst f***ing surgery you can imagine", while Sharon admitted they still haven't found out the damage due to its intricacy.

The former X Factor judge said: "Five operations later, it just f***ed his body. It was torturous for him: Parkinson's and damage to his spine. It's just been horrendous."