Overview

• Butler’s essay recounts how rehearsals for the July 5 show exposed Osbourne’s frailty as he needed two helpers, a nurse and a gold-studded cane and had to sing while seated
• He portrays the late frontman as the “Prince of Laughter,” emphasizing Ozzy’s gentle humor and loyalty over his notorious solo-era antics
• The July 5 ‘Back to the Beginning’ concert at Villa Park reunited Black Sabbath’s original lineup for a star-studded benefit featuring Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and other major acts
• Nearly $200 million in proceeds from the ten-hour farewell gig were donated to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice Butler highlights the poignant final bow—Ozzy remaining on his custom throne—to underscore their nearly six-decade bond and the brief time between the concert and his July 22 death