ROCK star Ozzy Osbourne admitted his emotions were "all over the place" in the lead-up to Black Sabbath's last-ever show last night.
Credited with creating heavy metal, the band drew the final curtain on their generation-crossing career with two shows in their home city of Birmingham.
Rehearsing for the big finale last night, Osbourne had said: "Since I've got to this building, I've been happy, I've been tearful. Let's see what happens."
Describing his life with the band since its formation as the Earth Blues Company in 1968 as "the most incredible adventure", Osbourne, 68, said Sabbath had run its course.
"One of the proudest things I have in my heart is the fact that Black Sabbath wasn't a band that was created by some big mogul," he said. "It was four guys who said, 'Let's have a dream', and it came true beyond our wildest expectations."
Osbourne, better known to a younger generation for his role in MTV reality show The Osbournes, has said that he will continue with his solo career.
The so-called Prince of Darkness, guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler rounded off the band's farewell tour at the city's Genting Arena. Black Sabbath's original drummer Bill Ward no longer performs with the band.
Despite originally saying their 2013 album – 13 – would be their last, the band are now promising to release a limited edition, eight track-long record, which will include previously unheard songs.
Osborne gained notoriety in 1982 after biting the head off a bat live on stage during a gig in Iowa. In 2005 the band was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame and in 2013 MTV ranked them as the Greatest Metal Band of all time.
A Black Sabbath special will be aired on BBC Radio 1's Rock Show tonight.
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