The best photos from Black Sabbath’s Birmingham farewell

It was the heavy metal gig to, for many fans, end all heavy metal gigs as Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath bade farewell to live performing supported by a host of legendary music acts in front of 40,000 fans.

The group, formed in Birmingham in 1968, rocked out Villa Park in a homecoming gig that had created a huge buzz in the city in recent weeks.

They were joined by acts including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and Slayer with guest appearances from the likes of Ronnie Wood, Steven Tyler and Jack Black.

Fans travelled from across the world and sported their own rockstar outfits for the farewell – with everything from tattoos to socks bearing Osbourne’s name or image.

The legendary frontman, 76, who has Parkinson’s disease, sang while seated on a black throne.

“I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years…thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he told the crowd.

“You are the best, each and every one of you.”

Famous musicians and celebrities sent in video messages that were played at the show, alongside messages from fans.

“You are one of the most remarkable singers of our time,” Sir Elton John told Osbourne in his message.

“You’ve been through so much crap in the last few years – I hope this is the best day of your life so far.”

On Sunday, fans were still milling around the city, taking in the Ozzy and Sabbath shrines – including the mural which the band hand-signed on Navigation Street.

“I’ve never seen Ozzy before, it was my first time and obviously the last time, but I couldn’t wish of wished for anything better,” said Daisy Clemson from Blackburn.

“It’s been great just seeing all the metal fans, all the t-shirts, the sense of community – it’s been fantastic.. everybody we’ve spoken to has been lovely.”

Bill Fernandes, from Atlanta, Georgia, said it was “the best show ever”.

“I’ve gone to a lot of shows over the years, and this one was special.

“It was something else, it was a religious experience.”