Overview

• Ulrich described Osbourne as “eloquent and very sharp” during warm, coherent rehearsals despite his frail physical condition
• He recalled Black Sabbath’s electrifying “War Pigs” soundcheck, complete with lights and air raid sirens, that convinced attendees the band would “fucking kill it”
• Ulrich said no one foresaw that Osbourne’s performance would be his final one, leaving peers stunned by his cardiac arrest death seventeen days later
• Reflecting on the finale, he suggested that by accomplishing this concert Osbourne might have felt relieved after fulfilling a long-held ambition
• Ulrich noted the surreal reunion atmosphere as figures like Steven Tyler and Chad Smith joined attendees at Villa Park before the farewell performance