by Vernon Reid recently shared his experience playing at Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell show. He offered insight into the atmosphere of the historic event in an interview with Ultimate Guitar.
When asked about what it was like to perform at the farewell show and whether there were special challenges knowing it might be Ozzy’s last time on stage, Reid provided a candid perspective on the emotional night.
“Nobody really thought that. It wasn’t like a death watch,” Reid said. “I mean, sure, you know, he had health challenges, but he was vibrant.”
Reid emphasized that despite Ozzy’s physical limitations, the mood wasn’t somber or final.
“It was not the feeling that Ozzy was going to go. It really wasn’t. It didn’t feel that way,” he continued. “I think the fact that his mobility was challenged, you know, and that he was on the black throne. I mean, that was very emotional, but honestly, there wasn’t a vibe. Nobody had a vibe that I think it would have been a wildly different experience if people really felt that was not the case.”
Reid’s comments offer a unique perspective on what became one of the most significant moments in rock history. The Living Colour guitarist was among the legendary musicians selected to perform at this monumental event. The event marked the end of Ozzy’s live touring career.
The farewell concert titled “Back to the Beginning” was an epic celebration of Ozzy’s career and a tribute to Tony Iommi’s guitar genius, as reported by The Classic Metal Show. The event drew a massive crowd of 40,000 fans who witnessed iconic moments, including Ozzy rising from a dark throne and the entire audience singing along to Iommi’s solo in “War Pigs” with tremendous fervor.
Reid, the founding guitarist of Living Colour, expressed his honor at being selected to stand alongside metal legends at the farewell show. Highway 81 Revisited noted that Reid cited the influence of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” on him and described the experience as unforgettable and monumental, despite not having a prior direct association with Ozzy or Black Sabbath.
The concert featured several emotional highlights beyond the “War Pigs” performance. Guitar World detailed that the show included a tribute to Randy Rhoads during “Crazy Train” and showcased Ozzy’s surprisingly strong voice throughout the evening. The farewell was driven by Ozzy’s well-known health struggles, including Parkinson’s disease and other complications that have limited his ability to tour live.
The guitarist’s comments paint a picture of a celebration rather than a farewell marked by sadness. They highlight Ozzy’s enduring presence and vibrant spirit despite the physical challenges that ultimately led to his decision to end his touring career.
