ALL PHOTOS: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

The music industry lost a true legend this week. Just two weeks after he preformed his final live show in his hometown of Birmingham, Ozzy lost his battle against Parkinson’s disease on July 22nd. Ozzy’s career spanned over 50 years. Ozzy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as a member of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist

Back to the Beginning

In February 2025, Osbourne announced a farewell fund-raising Black Sabbath concert in his hometown. The show was called Back to the Beginning. The show featured live short sets by the original Black Sabbath lineup. For his last performance Ozzy, made it into a music festival with some of the greatest Heavy Metal bands of all time. Ozzy headlined the show, which included, Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). Ozzy sat from a throne was he watched the bands pay tribute to him.The event also included performances from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Tool, and Guns N’ Roses. All played a few of their old songs along with an Ozzy or Sabbath cover.

The “Back to the Beginning” concert, a farewell performance for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, benefited three charities: Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice, and Cure Parkinson’s. The event raised over $190 million, making it the highest-grossing charity concert ever, according to Billboard. 

I first heard Ozzy when “Blizzard of Ozz”, came out. I’ll never forget when I heard his voice on “Crazy Train”. It was unlike any I have ever heard. Ozzy literally was the King and Founder of Heavy Metal. Without him there would be no Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, or Soundgarden. The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin were both influenced by American blues and rock. Ozzy like his personality, was a true original. After listening to Blizzard I then discovered Black Sabbath.

“Trust Me, I’m Dr. Ozzy” San Francisco book signing at Booksmith on Haight Street

In 2011 I was one of two photographers to photograph Ozzy on his “Trust Me, I’m Dr. Ozzy” book signing. Ozzy came out very friendly. I had to ask for him to hold the book for a photo. He maybe jokingly held the book upside down at first. The line out the door of the Booksmith, was the most people I’ve ever seen on the famous Haight Street.

ALL PHOTOS: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

ALL PHOTOS: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

MusiCares MAP Fund benefit, honoring Ozzy Osbourne

In 2014, Ozzy Osbourne, was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year on January 24, 2014,in Los Angeles. This event was part of the 2014 MusiCares Person of the Year gala. The event honored Ozzy for his contributions to music and his philanthropic work. I was honored to not only cover the Red Carpet, but attend the show. Ozzy walked the Red Carpet with his daughter Kelly before heading inside for his tribute.

Joe Walsh presented Ozzy, with the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award. Then it was time for the man of the evening to hit the stage. Ozzy, kicked off his set with “I Don’t Know” with Janes Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro playing with him for his entire set. “Suicide Solution”, a song that tells of Ozzy’s battle with alcoholism was up next. Ozzy, jumped around on stage clapped his hands liker it was the 70’s. You could clearly see that his sobriety helped his vocals and live show. “Iron Man” and “Crazy Train” sounded amazing. But the true highlight of the evening, was the final song of the night, Black Sabbath’s anthem “Paranoid” where Ozzy, was joined on stage by Slash and Billy Morrison. Photos from the Red Carpet along with a full blog can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/bddjwprk
The “Prince of Darkness” can finally rest on his throne. Ozzy you will be missed. Thank you for all the music you made and bands you influenced and will continue to influence. For more information on Parkinson’s Disease can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/349zdn5k.

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ALL PHOTOS: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography