Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi made an unexpected appearance at this year's Commonwealth Games closing ceremony, stunning attendees with a raucous rendition of one of their signature hits, Paranoid.
The Black Sabbath bandmates reunited in their hometown of Birmingham in England for the appearance, following a bout of ill health for Ozzy. The frontman had just last week shared a snippet of the BBC’s footage of the games soundtracked by Paranoid, writing: “This was played at the end of today’s #CommonwealthGames. I really wish I could have been there with you all. Just amazing for Birmingham!” he wrote.
With Osbourne still recovering from neck surgery, it seemed unlikely that he would be able to attend. However, he and Iommi surprised all with the performance of Sabbath’s legendary 1970 hit at the closing ceremony (August 8) which saw Ozzy literally rise up onto the stage in a veil of red mist.
“I love you, Birmingham – it’s good to be back!” he said before the closing set. Watch below!
Ozzy Osbourne & Tony Iommi | ‘Paranoid’ [2022 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony]
Later, taking to Instagram again, Osbourne posted a clip of the performance saying: “What a way to bring it all to an end!” he said, adding: “Thank you, Birmingham. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Ozzy has been plagued by numerous health struggles in recent years. In 2018, the iconic rocker suffered a serious hand infection and in 2019, dislodged pins in his spine. In 2020, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was hospitalised with Covid-19 in April this year. Just a few months ago, the singer underwent neck and spine surgery.
Despite such a run of setbacks, his presence is as powerful as ever and for that, Ozzy – we salute you!
READ MORE: WATCH BLACK SABBATH’S TRAILBLAZING SET, LIVE IN PARIS, 1970
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