On Saturday (August 16), the home team honored their favorite son, Ozzy Osbourne, during the Premier League opener against Newcastle United at Villa Park. Aston Villa Football Club paid tribute to the late rocker by having both teams walk out to a rendition of Ozzy’s iconic solo hit “Crazy Train,” recorded at the all-star Back to the Beginning event on July 5, where he performed with his Black Sabbath bandmates for the last time before his passing two weeks later at the age of 76 on July 22.
During the match, the team played a recording of Osbourne’s ballad “Mama I’m Coming Home” and showcased a video montage of him on the big screen, featuring an image of the metal icon with a comically maniacal expression, surrounded by the slogan “Up the Villa.”
Birmingham native Osbourne was a lifelong supporter of Aston Villa — which is why he chose Villa Park for his final concert. The Bostin Brass Band, who performed at his public funeral on July 30, played a selection of Ozzy’s solo and Sabbath hits in the stadium’s fan zone during the game. Attendees could also sign a condolence book at the club store, and the official matchday program featured an illustration of a figure resembling Osbourne walking up the steps to the stadium in a No. 9 jersey with “Ozzy” on the back.
Before the game, Aston Villa Football Club released a statement honoring Ozzy and outlining their plans. “Aston Villa Football Club will remember world-renowned rockstar and Villan, Ozzy Osbourne, ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United at Villa Park. Ozzy, who grew up in Aston, sadly passed away in July aged 76, having always held a special connection to the club and the community he came from,” read the statement.
“At the beginning of last month, the Prince of Darkness headlined the unforgettable Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park. He took to the stage for the final time with an all-star lineup of rock legends, including his iconic band Black Sabbath. At our first home game since his passing, the club will come together to pay tribute to Ozzy and his legacy in several ways. A video tribute will be shown on the big screens immediately following the players’ warmup, while the teams will walk out to a backdrop of Ozzy’s live ‘Crazy Train’ performance from Back to the Beginning.”
The statement also mentioned that a mural was commissioned for the external wall of Hotle Put that reads “Ozzy Forever,” featuring an image of Osbourne in a similar pose as seen in the tribute video inside the stadium, with hands extended and a sly smile.
“We have also kept a little piece of history in the Fan Zone Bar which was used as the exclusive artist backstage area for Back to the Beginning. Parts of the original branding and carved trees are there for fans to see, touch, take photos and remember that night when Ozzy celebrated where it all started,” continued the team statement. “In the Villa Store, our book of condolences is open for supporters to add their messages which will then be presented to Ozzy’s family. Aston Villa is proud to remember Ozzy Osbourne, a music legend, and his connection to our club.”
Watch the tributes below.
