In a new interview with Billboard, MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx discussed his band’s absence from the Ozzy Osbourne/BLACK SABBATH “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert, held on July 5 in Birmingham, England — just two weeks before Ozzy passed away at the age of 76.
Sixx explained that the CRÜE could not attend due to frontman Vince Neil’s recovery from a medical procedure, which Neil later revealed was a stroke he suffered in December of last year.
(Transcribed by Billboard)
“It was something we were just unable to do… We couldn’t do it even if we wanted to,” Sixx said, noting that he watched the streaming concert online.
Ozzy’s Impact on MÖTLEY CRÜE
Sixx took the opportunity to reflect on how pivotal Ozzy Osbourne was in the rise of MÖTLEY CRÜE, especially when Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne brought them on tour as his opening act in 1984.
(Transcribed by Billboard)
“Honestly, they broke our band, Ozzy and Sharon [Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager]. Sharon saw a band that something was happening with and it was a perfect fit for Ozzy, and we just became so close and Ozzy took us around the world and just did everything for us… and of course all the wild and fun stories that is Ozzy. I’ll forever be in debt to Sharon and Ozzy for that.”
A Farewell Done Right
Circling back to the “Back To The Beginning” concert, Sixx praised Ozzy’s ability to leave the stage on his own terms and with an unforgettable performance.
(Transcribed by Billboard)
“And, man, I gotta tell ya — Ozzy, way to f-ckin’ go out with a bang. He really did it, and everybody showed up because they loved him and supported him. Unfortunately, we don’t have him anymore, but we got one of the greatest rock stars of all time who came while we were here on this planet and went back to the f-ckin’ stars, man. It’s like, ‘I came down there and I kicked some f-ckin’ a-s.’ Thank you, Ozzy, every day for the opportunity to have a career.”
With his words, Sixx honored Ozzy not only as a music legend but also as a personal inspiration whose generosity gave MÖTLEY CRÜE the opportunity to launch into rock history.
