The Ashton-born musician, 73, was joined by members of the Black Sabbath band for a fireworks performance of their song Paranoid. “Come on, let’s go crazy,” Osbourne told the crowd, as the band played Iron Man’s famous chords. Concluding the short performance, he added: “Thank you, good night, you are the best, God bless you all – Birmingham forever.” Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019. And in June he was discharged from a Los Angeles hospital after undergoing what his wife Sharon called “a major operation” that would “define the rest of his life”. The rocker has also dealt with the impact of a quad bike accident in 2003.
More about Commonwealth Games 2022
Earlier in the ceremony, infamous fictional crime gang the Peaky Blinders took center stage as part of a celebration of the West Midlands’ musical heritage. The international competition ended on Monday night after 11 days of sporting action. The ceremony, held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, saw performances from artists including UB40, Beverley Knight, Dexys Midnight Runners, Goldie, The Selecter and Jorja Smith. Mercury Prize nominee Laura Mvula, 36, also gave a special performance of a new piece she recently commissioned, inspired by Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand, the Peaky Blinders theme song. 2022 was the most successful Commonwealth Games ever for the countries, with a total of 275 medals, including 85 gold. England led the way with 57 golds, behind only Australia in the medals table, and 176 overall, while Northern Ireland set national records and Scotland and Wales also thrived. The Duke of Wessex officially closed the ceremony, saying: “Every four years, we try to come together to celebrate our Commonwealth through sport. “Through the manner, style and enthusiasm with which you have fought, operated, supported, organized and volunteered, you have once again brought the spirit and values of the Commonwealth to life. “You have inspired us and hopefully future generations. You have also shown what unites us. Thank you, Birmingham.”
