You’d think after all the loss we’ve been experiencing this year (which is only half-way over), we would be used to all this by now.
No – you don’t. They are all different and they hit you in all different ways. The end result is the same; loss – feeling helpless – confused – angry it couldn’t be just one more day – all of the above.
Nobody expected Ozzy Osbourne to take his leave so soon after his triumphant farewell concert, only two weeks ago.
It was Ozzy – maybe a little banged up for the wear; lots of wretched excess – lots of binges and lots of fans. But it was still Ozzy – he was timeless. He was only 76. These days, considered young (80 being the new 50 and all) even though it was necessary for him to sit through his set. The voice was still clear and strong – the force – the drive, all the things that made Ozzy Osbourne one of those unforgettable characters you only read about but are gobsmacked when you come face to face and find yourself in an arena with 30,000 other people, all swearing. up and down it hadn’t really changed since “that night in 1974” or “that night in 1981” or “that night in 1969” – Ozzy Osbourne transcended them all. He was no show – he was serious about his craft – seriously in love with his audience. It only seemed fitting he would do his last concert in the place he got started.
But did anybody think, for a half-second that this was going to be the very last – never again – finale – curtain coming down end? No – we kind of knew there were health issues and when health starts getting the better of you, it’s time to think about what’s behind the Gold Curtain – but we thought Ozzy was good for at least ten more years. He cleaned up his act – got sober – got clear headed – got focused. Yeah, at least another 10 years.
It was time and it was sudden and we are left with only the music – only the memory of the nights – only the out-of-body experiences to keep us company.
And maybe you haven’t heard this concert – the one during his solo period, performing with another legend gone far too soon; Randy Rhodes.
All this as well as radio commercials for the gig in Rochester – an interview with Ozzy and the concert – all from The Auditorium Theatre, Rochester on April 29, 1981.
It only seems right – only seems proper – only seems like the only thing to do.
Ozzy, you were loved and that’s never going to go away – just like your music.
Celebrate – sing loud – stomp.
He’d want it that way.
