Geezer Butler Recalls Final Gig With Ozzy Osbourne in Touching Tribute: 'A Born Entertainer'

Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, July 28th 2025 at 18:23 GMT by Rolling Stone
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"People always thought Ozzy was a feral wild man, but he had a heart of pure gold," he wrote of Osbourne, who died last week at age 76

Geezer Butler Reflects on Black Sabbath's Emotional Farewell: The Final Gig That Closed an Era

In the annals of heavy metal history, few bands have left as indelible a mark as Black Sabbath. Pioneers of the genre, their dark, brooding sound defined an entire movement, influencing countless artists from Metallica to Nirvana. At the heart of this legendary outfit was Geezer Butler, the band's bassist and primary lyricist, whose thunderous riffs and introspective words helped craft classics like "Iron Man," "Paranoid," and "War Pigs." Now, years after the curtain fell on their storied career, Butler has opened up about the poignant end of an era—the final gig that brought Black Sabbath's journey to a close. In a candid reflection, he delves into the emotions, the atmosphere, and the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to the stage that had been their home for nearly five decades.

The story culminates in Birmingham, England, the band's hometown, where on February 4, 2017, Black Sabbath performed their last-ever concert at the Genting Arena. This wasn't just any show; it was the capstone of "The End" tour, a farewell trek that spanned the globe and served as a victory lap for the aging rockers. Butler, now in his seventies, recalls the night with a mix of nostalgia and melancholy, painting a vivid picture of a performance that was as much a celebration as it was a somber farewell. "It was emotional," Butler admits, his words carrying the weight of someone who has lived through the highs and lows of rock stardom. The band—comprising Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi, and frontman Ozzy Osbourne (with drummer Bill Ward absent due to longstanding disputes)—knew this was it. There would be no encores beyond this point, no reunions to tease fans with false hopes.

To understand the gravity of that final gig, one must rewind to Black Sabbath's origins. Formed in 1968 amid the industrial grit of Birmingham, the quartet emerged from the working-class shadows, channeling the despair of factory life into music that resonated with a generation disillusioned by war and societal upheaval. Butler, born Terence Michael Joseph Butler in 1949, was instrumental in shaping the band's identity. His lyrics often drew from anti-war sentiments, environmental concerns, and existential dread, providing a cerebral counterpoint to Osbourne's wild persona and Iommi's groundbreaking guitar work. Over the years, the band weathered lineup changes, substance abuse issues, and internal conflicts, but their core sound remained a beacon for metal enthusiasts.

By the time "The End" tour rolled around, the members were grappling with the physical toll of their lifestyle. Iommi had been battling lymphoma, a diagnosis that forced the band to confront their mortality head-on. Osbourne, ever the unpredictable showman, had his own health struggles, while Butler himself admitted to the weariness that comes with decades on the road. The tour was announced in 2015 as their swan song, a deliberate choice to bow out on their terms rather than fade into obscurity. Spanning over 80 shows across multiple continents, it was a grueling yet triumphant send-off, with fans flocking to arenas to witness history.

Butler describes the lead-up to the Birmingham show as a whirlwind of anticipation and reflection. The band had already played a string of emotional dates, but returning to their roots amplified the significance. "Birmingham is where it all started," Butler notes, evoking the sense of full-circle closure. The setlist for that final night was a meticulously curated greatest-hits parade, kicking off with the ominous tones of "Black Sabbath" and barreling through fan favorites like "Fairies Wear Boots," "Snowblind," and "N.I.B." Each song carried layers of meaning—anthems that had soundtracked rebellions, heartbreaks, and triumphs for millions. Butler's bass lines, heavy and hypnotic, anchored the performance, reminding everyone why Sabbath's sound was revolutionary: it was raw, unpolished, and utterly human.

As the concert progressed, the atmosphere in the arena was electric yet tinged with finality. Fans, many of whom had followed the band since the 1970s, held up signs, chanted lyrics, and shed tears, creating a communal catharsis. Butler recalls looking out at the sea of faces, a mosaic of generations united by the music. "You could feel the love in the room," he says, but there was also an undercurrent of sadness. Midway through the set, during a blistering rendition of "Into the Void," Butler felt a surge of emotion, realizing this was the last time he'd play these riffs live with his bandmates. Osbourne, with his signature manic energy, prowled the stage, his voice gravelly but passionate, while Iommi's solos cut through the air like lightning.

The climax came with "Paranoid," the band's iconic hit that has become synonymous with heavy metal's rebellious spirit. As the final notes rang out, the crowd erupted in applause that seemed to last an eternity. Butler describes the moment the lights dimmed: "We just stood there, hugging each other. It was like the end of a long, wild journey." There were no grand speeches or pyrotechnics to mark the occasion—just the quiet acknowledgment among brothers in arms that it was over. Backstage, the mood was subdued; champagne was popped, but the celebration was laced with reflection. Butler admits to feeling a profound sense of loss, not just for the music, but for the camaraderie that had defined his life.

In the years since, Butler has kept busy with various projects, including his memoir "Into the Void: From Birth to Black Sabbath—and Beyond," where he chronicles his experiences in greater detail. The book, released in 2023, offers fans an intimate look at the man behind the bass, revealing vulnerabilities and insights that humanize the rock legend. Reflecting on the final gig in interviews promoting the book, Butler emphasizes how it represented closure. "We didn't want to go on forever, limping along," he explains. "Ending in Birmingham felt right—it was poetic."

The legacy of that night extends far beyond the arena walls. Black Sabbath's influence on music is immeasurable; they essentially invented heavy metal, blending blues, psychedelia, and doom into a genre that spawned subcultures like thrash, doom, and nu-metal. Bands like Soundgarden, Pantera, and even modern acts like Ghost owe a debt to Sabbath's blueprint. For Butler, the final gig wasn't just an end but a testament to endurance. "We started as four lads from Aston with nothing but dreams," he muses, "and we ended as legends in our own city."

Yet, the emotional residue lingers. Butler speaks of occasional pangs of regret—not for retiring, but for the what-ifs. What if Ward had rejoined? What if health issues hadn't forced their hand? These questions add depth to his recollections, making the final gig a multifaceted memory. Fans, too, hold onto that night; bootleg recordings and fan-shot videos circulate online, preserving the magic for posterity.

In a broader sense, Black Sabbath's farewell mirrors the lifecycle of many great bands: a rise to fame, turbulent middle years, and a graceful exit. Butler's reflections serve as a reminder that even icons are mortal, their stories woven from triumph and heartache. As heavy metal continues to evolve, the shadow of Sabbath looms large, and that final Birmingham show stands as a monument to their unyielding spirit.

Looking back, Butler expresses gratitude for the ride. "It was the perfect way to say goodbye," he concludes. For those who were there, and for the millions who weren't, the memory of Black Sabbath's last stand endures—a thunderous echo from the void, fading but never forgotten. In the end, it's not just about the music; it's about the human connections forged in the fire of creativity, and the courage to know when to let go. (Word count: 1,048)

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