By Carina Ikonen Nilsson – July 11, 2025 | Music & Memories
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The First Time I Saw Him

I was probably around 20 when I saw him for the first time. At first, I thought it would be just another concert – like any other. But oh, how wrong I was.

After the concert, I still remember the sore throat, the exhaustion, the echo in my head. Now, I often feel that way after a show – but back then, it was something else. Maybe it was the first time I felt something that strong.

The Magic That Kept Returning

And that feeling… it came back every time I saw him. How I loved watching him. His movements were monotonous, almost mechanical – but that’s what made it so special. It was Ozzy Osbourne, exactly as he was meant to be.

My god, I loved going to those concerts. That real feeling – the one that rooted deep inside – was always there.

Before the Legends Became Legends

I think I’ve seen most of the big heavy metal bands. I was even at a show where Helloween opened for one of the greats.

And I saw The Rev – alive – on stage at Ullevi. He played with Avenged Sevenfold, opening for Iron Maiden.

Back then, I didn’t like the band. They didn’t resonate with me – probably because I was just waiting for Iron Maiden.
But after The Rev died… I found my way to their music. And suddenly, I heard the beauty. The depth that had always been there.

What Hits Hardest

There’s something that happens when you find something too late. When you suddenly understand what you missed while it was right in front of you.

The Tribute That’s Happening Now

All the love pouring in on social media. How the world is lifting up The King of Darkness – Ozzy Osbourne.

I wasn’t at the 2025 concert in Birmingham. I had already decided to keep the memory of him as he was back then.

But now… now I see how wrong I was. I should have listened to my son, who told me to go. But I said no. “I’ve seen him young – I want to keep that image.”
Oh, how I wish I had been there. To share that moment. To honor him – this enormous icon – as he said goodbye.

My ADHD Heart and What I Really Wanted to Say

And yet, this wasn’t what I meant to write either. My ADHD brain swims through words that don’t always line up the way they should.

But what I truly wanted to say is this: I’m so moved – deeply moved – to see all the love for Ozzy and his band, Black Sabbath.

It’s beautiful. Those who were there. Those who shared. Those who now carry his legacy forward.

He Still Owns the Stage – Even Sitting

But the greatest thing of all?
Seeing how – despite all the pain his body carries – he can still captivate an entire arena. He’s sitting. But he creates magic just by being there.

He doesn’t move like he used to. He’s not standing tall.
And yet… every clip I’ve seen carries that same feeling I once had in front of the stage.

It must be his aura. His voice. His power within.

The Presence Was Always the Power

I used to think it was his movement and voice that made him great.
But now I understand:
It was never just that.

It was him.
His presence.
His being.
The legend.

This Man – and His Life

I truly love this man – everything he’s done in his life. I read his book a few years ago, and I can honestly say: It’s worth it.
My god, what a life. That he’s still alive today… it’s almost unbelievable.

What Matters Most

I strayed again. But now I return to what I wanted to say:

I’m so deeply touched – so full of love – that he gets to experience all this now, while he’s alive.
He gets to hear the words that usually come too late. The ones we say after someone is gone.

And that… That feels incredibly important.
More than anything, maybe.

But even then – do we ever truly hear those words?
I’m not sure we do.

Celebrate While We Still Can

Because no matter how much we praise someone after they’re gone –
It’s while they live that they need to hear it.

Famous or unknown.
Big or small.

We all have something to learn from that.

 Reflection

We so often wait too long. Our words land in silence, when they can no longer be received.

But Ozzy – he gets to hear them now.
And that’s something we all deserve.
Whether we’re on stage, or sitting in the crowd.

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Do you have a memory from a concert, an artist who meant something to you, or something you wish you’d said?
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Ozzy’s Farewell Performance in Birmingham 2025 #ozzyosbourne #farewellperformance #mamaimcominghome #blacksabbath

♬ Mama, I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osbourne

OZZY – you’ve carried my darkness and lit it with sound. I love you.

Live and act today.
What you did yesterday is history.
The future? We know nothing about it.
And if we wait… it might be too late.
But we won’t know that until tomorrow –
if we’re lucky enough to see it. – Carina Ikonen Nilsson.