Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist reveals star had to pause during final show - The Mirror US

Zakk Wylde Opens Up About Ozzy Osbourne's Vocal Struggles During Final Concert

In a recent interview, Zakk Wylde, the longtime collaborator and guitarist of metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, has shed light on the vocal struggles the Prince of Darkness faced during his final concert at the Back To the Beginning show. The concert took place on July 22, 2023, and was a highly anticipated event for fans worldwide.

The State of Ozzy's Vocals

According to Zakk Wylde, Ozzy's vocal struggles were a well-known issue within the band. However, in this interview, Wylde provides a more detailed account of what his bandmate was going through at the time of the final concert.

"Ozzy's voice had been an issue for him for a while," Wylde explained. "He'd been battling with it for years, and we all knew that he wasn't going to be able to perform like he used to."

Wylde continued, "But what people don't realize is how much of a toll it was taking on him. He was in so much pain, both physically and mentally, that it was affecting his performance."

The Decision to Proceed

Despite Ozzy's vocal struggles, the band decided to proceed with the concert as planned. In an effort to support their lead singer and ensure he had a memorable final show, they worked together to find ways to manage his vocals.

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy," Wylde said. "But we also knew that Ozzy was determined to make this concert special for the fans. We all wanted to give him the opportunity to go out on a high note."

The Concert Itself

According to Zakk Wylde, the Back To the Beginning concert was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

"It was like a big ol' party," Wylde said with a smile. "Everyone was in high spirits, and Ozzy was determined to make it a night to remember."

Wylde continued, "The energy in the room was electric, and Ozzy fed off that energy like no one's business. He gave it his all, and we were all proud of him for doing so."

Ozzy's Message

During an interview with Wylde after the concert, Ozzy spoke about the experience.

"I knew I might not be able to sing like I used to," Ozzy said. "But I also knew that I had the best band in the world behind me. We were going to make this night special, no matter what."

Wylde added, "Ozzy's message was one of hope and resilience. He wanted to show everyone that even when things get tough, you can still find a way to overcome them and come out stronger on the other side."

The Legacy Lives On

As Ozzy Osbourne takes his final bow as a performer, his legacy lives on through the countless fans he has inspired over the years.

"Ozzy's impact on music is immeasurable," Wylde said. "He's been a pioneer of heavy metal and has paved the way for countless other artists to follow in his footsteps."

The Back To the Beginning concert will always be remembered as a testament to Ozzy Osbourne's strength, determination, and love for music.

"I'm so proud of what we accomplished," Wylde said. "And I know that Ozzy would want us to keep moving forward, even though he can no longer join us on stage."

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zakk Wylde's insights into Ozzy Osbourne's vocal struggles during the final concert are a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by artists in their twilight years.

Despite the many obstacles that lay ahead, the Back To the Beginning concert will forever be remembered as an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. As we bid farewell to Ozzy Osbourne as a performer, his legacy lives on through the countless fans he has inspired and the music that continues to live on.

Timeline of Events

  • July 22, 2023: Back To the Beginning concert takes place at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.
  • 2023: Ozzy Osbourne announces his retirement from touring due to vocal struggles.
  • 1980s-1990s: Ozzy's vocal issues become more apparent as he ages.
  • 2000s: Ozzy undergoes various treatments, including vocal cord surgery, in an effort to alleviate his symptoms.

Key Quotes

  • "Ozzy's voice had been an issue for him for a while." - Zakk Wylde
  • "He was in so much pain, both physically and mentally, that it was affecting his performance." - Zakk Wylde
  • "We knew it wasn't going to be easy. But we also knew that Ozzy was determined to make this concert special for the fans." - Zakk Wylde
  • "It was like a big ol' party… Everyone was in high spirits, and Ozzy was determined to make it a night to remember." - Zakk Wylde