The visibly emotional metal icon struggled with the ballad but gave it his all
Upon the tragic news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, it’s truly amazing how much effort he gave on July 5th at the Back to the Beginning concert, singing four Black Sabbath songs and five of his own solo numbers during his final show.
Content creator and vocal coach Dimitris Barmpas shared Ozzy’s isolated vocals from the rendition of the ballad “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” revealing an intense and heart-wrenching performance from the Prince of Darkness.
Notably, the visibly emotional Ozzy’s vocals are dry and mostly free of effects, as well as backing tracks, as mentioned in Barmpas’ Instagram post. It’s pure Ozzy, and you can hear the breadth of his entire career in his voice, which is frail but unwavering, wearing the singer’s many decades. It’s totally honest — just like the Ozzman himself.
The ballad was also undoubtedly the most difficult tune he sang that night, as his voice sounded stronger on the other solo and Sabbath numbers he performed. It’s understandable, though, as the original vocals from “Mama, I’m Coming Home” are among the most technically impressive of Ozzy’s entire career, not to mention the poignant nature of the lyrics.
Barmpas’ assessment summed it up nicely: “This isn’t about pitch perfection. It’s about presence. About the courage to say goodbye, in the only way a true legend can — with heart wide open.”
The massive farewell gig at Villa Park will stand as one of the greatest single events in metal history. In addition to Black Sabbath and Ozzy’s performances, the rest of the bill featured an all-star cast of metal and hard rock talent, several of whom made Consequence’s new list of the 75 Best Metal Albums of All-Time.
Following the concert, Osbourne announced his final memoir, Last Rites, which will be published in October (pre-order here).
Listen to Ozzy’s isolated vocals on “Mama, I’m Coming Home” below.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated and republished to reflect the news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing on July 22nd.
