As BLACK SABBATH prepares to take its final bow tonight (July 5) in their hometown of Birmingham, UK, legendary MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee is reflecting on the profound impact Ozzy Osbourne has had—not just on heavy metal—but on his own band’s journey.
In a new feature published by The New York Times ahead of the historic “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert, Lee was one of several rock icons who shared their thoughts on Osbourne’s enduring legacy. For Tommy, the connection is deeply personal.
“Ozzy is a real big reason why we’re still here,” Lee said. “I can’t emphasize enough how generous he was when we toured together in the early ’80s.”
Lee recalled how most headliners at the time would hold back resources from opening acts—restricting access to lights or a full PA system. But not Ozzy.
“Ozzy was, like, ‘You can have all the lights, have all the sound, have a [expletive] blast.’ And that really moved me,” he shared. “I never really experienced that sort of generosity and equality that he wanted for everybody.”
Beyond the music, Lee also praised Osbourne’s ability to connect with fans onstage.
“He has this sort of signature move… He kind of jumps in one place and claps,” Tommy explained. “There’s an evil smirk on his face, but I think that smirk is happiness because the place is going bananas. It’s letting the audience know that you are enjoying it just as much or more than they are. That connection’s important, man.”
Lee also touched on the cultural phenomenon that was The Osbournes, Ozzy’s groundbreaking reality show.
“When The Osbournes first came out, I was, like, ‘Holy [expletive], this is cool. This is letting people into his crazy train!’” Lee said. “That’s when reality TV was blowing up, and I think a lot of people watching had no clue he was in BLACK SABBATH. The guy just keeps coming back—not reinventing himself, but finding new ways to connect with people and have fun.”
Tonight’s show at Villa Park marks the final chapter in BLACK SABBATH’s legendary career. Dubbed “Back To The Beginning,” the farewell concert brings together Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward onstage for the first time in over 20 years—closing the circle in the very city where it all began.
The sold-out concert will welcome more than 40,000 fans and feature a stacked lineup of metal titans: METALLICA, SLAYER, PANTERA, LAMB OF GOD, and ANTHRAX are all set to perform in tribute.
Proceeds from the event will benefit several charities close to the band’s heart, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
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