Latest news with #TheSabbath
Daily Maverick
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne is still the master of the metalheads
For a split second, those of us who surfed backyard rebellion on a wave of Black Sabbath in the 1970s might have thought lead singer Ozzy Osbourne was looking rather well in a video clip that went viral. This came after a 10-hour, sold-out 'big farewell concert' that was held in Birmingham, England, last week. Back in the 1970s, just the name of the band sent shivers down establishment spines, as did the skulls and the occult imagery. For a generation of white working-class kids in the UK, it was the noise of it all that drowned out other noise. In conservative South Africa, Black Sabbath was regarded as being as threatening as the children's book Black Beauty (mistakenly banned by a censor with an overactive imagination) and the black majority in general. Seen as the progenitors of early heavy metal, Black Sabbath brought with it also the anarchist behaviour of the genre's unruly stars hellbent on trashing their bodies and brains in the process. It is remarkable – considering the quantities of alcohol and drugs, tobacco and food laced with preservatives and sugar that some of these old metalheads and rockers consumed – that they are still alive. No doubt preserved in their own juices, like Mick Jagger. Ozzy is 76 going on eternity at present. It turns out the video was an avatar of him generated by artificial intelligence. AI breathed more life into the geriatric, delinquent rocker-turned-celebrity and family man role model than Ozzy himself might have done. That's why he looked so good. His daughter Kelly, whom we all came to know in one of the first celebrity reality TV shows, The Osbournes, shared on Instagram: 'So, there's this video going around on social media, and it's supposed to be my dad, but it's AI. He's not dying. Yes, he has Parkinson's, and yes, his mobility is completely different than it used to be, but he's not dying. What is wrong with you?' Summer of Sabbath At the concert on 5 July, seated in a black leather armchair adorned with a looming bat, Ozzy was joined on stage by Bill Ward on drums, Geezer Butler on bass and Tony Iommi on guitar. With dyed hair and pale as a tapeworm, dressed-in-black Ozzy drank it all in. The four members of The Sabbath have been granted the freedom of Birmingham, and the city has been doing a 'Summer of Sabbath' campaign, lasting throughout the tourism season. Several other metal bands, such as Alice in Chains, Rival Sons, Anthrax and Mastodon, played to the capacity 40,000, whiter-shade-of-Ozzy crowd, who reportedly queued up all day for the beer. Naturally. Michael Hann, describing the event in The Guardian, noted that 'after Slayer – which is like listening to road works, take that as a compliment or not – Guns N' Roses patrol the stage as if they own it, opening with Sabbath's Never Say Die, with Axl Rose on surprisingly good voice'. Then came the king Ozzy has insisted that this would be the final concert 'on stage', although he is not dying, you understand, only sitting down for a while. Behind the king was the queen and business brain, Sharon Osbourne, with her Ozempic mask, plumped up by plastic surgery, teeth like tombstones and as white as the cliffs of Dover, still by his side, interpreting the slur. The 'beyond 27' club If you make it past the age of 27 as a famous singer or musician, then chances are you'll live as long as Ozzy and be as happy. The Osbournes gave us a glimpse into their home life in their mansion back in 2002, where the dogs crapped on the carpets and the kids had free rein of the fame and fortune. They paved the way for the Kardashians, and the Western world has never been the same since. At a dinner party years ago, as two women adopting children, my partner and I were asked which celebrity heterosexual couple we thought were contemporary role models. You know, like Bill and Hillary Clinton, Jacob Zuma and his wives, Steve Hofmeyer and… Without hesitation we chorused: 'The Osbournes.' DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Christian Rock Artist Matthew Hartley Releases Uplifting Single and Music Video "Heaven's Calling"
A Channel for Hope Through Faith, Rock, and Resilience CHARLESTON, S.C., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Christian Rock artist and songwriter Matthew Hartley has released his latest single, "Heaven's Calling," accompanied by a powerful music video that premiered on May 18 on YouTube. Both the song and video serve as a compelling call to hope, inviting listeners to find light in life's darkest valleys—and to hear that still, small voice reminding them they're not alone. A deeply personal anthem, "Heaven's Calling" draws from Hartley's own experiences with loss, healing, and renewed faith. Written during a season of heartbreak following a painful divorce, the song's lyrics surfaced in a moment of total emotional exhaustion: "When your heart is bawling, you know that Heaven's calling … out your name." Hartley has been writing songs since the age of 8, growing up immersed in the raw energy of rock icons like Poison, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and Van Halen. That rock foundation—combined with a rediscovered Christian faith—now fuels his bold and heartfelt musical mission. "Heaven's Calling" is both a spiritual awakening and a creative milestone. The music video, which debuted Sunday (The Sabbath), is visually anchored in themes of resilience and compassion. It features real-world disaster footage—highlighting the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024—alongside scenes of heroic rescue efforts and community support. Filmed across rooftops and iconic locations in Charleston, the video juxtaposes human vulnerability with divine strength, placing Hartley in front of landmarks including St. Michael's Church, Cannon Park, and the Charleston City Market. "Love is powerful; the best of people through devastation is remarkable," Hartley reflects."And for those, Heaven's calling too." To bring the video to life, Hartley and his team built a storyboard, secured multiple film permits, and coordinated all production logistics—all within just 30 days. The speed and synchronicity of the process felt extraordinary. "It was ordained how it all came together," says Hartley."To do this is such a blessing. It's a process of creation, and you have to be flexible and fluid and enjoy the ride. It's not about the money or the outcome — it's about the journey." Produced by music industry legend, David Kershenbaum, acclaimed for his work with Tracy Chapman and Duran Duran, "Heaven's Calling" also marks the first single from Hartley's forthcoming EP. The project is being developed under his own independent label and creative company, Imagine Peak Studios. Through Imagine Peak, Hartley hopes to support other independent musicians by offering guidance, resources, and a model of perseverance and purpose-driven artistry. "Do not let your circumstances dictate your journey. Age or time is irrelevant, and if you have a passion for something just do it. Praise God. Love your family and neighbors. And, live your life." "Heaven's Calling" is now streaming on all major platforms. Watch the music video: Stream the single: Follow Matthew Hartley: Website: | Instagram | TikTok: @MatthewHartleyMusic X / Twitter: @MHartleyMusic Contact:Imagine Peak StudiosEmail: music@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Imagine Peak Studios Sign in to access your portfolio
