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Black Sabbath’s Final Concert
Back to the Beginning’ at Villa Park Marks Ozzy Osbourne’s Emotional Farewell
Heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath, alongside frontman Ozzy Osbourne, delivered their final performance at the historic “Back to the Beginning” concert at Villa Park, Birmingham, on July 5, 2025. This monumental event, attended by 45,000 fans and livestreamed globally, marked the definitive end of Black Sabbath’s 57-year legacy and Ozzy Osbourne’s live performing career. The sold-out show, described as the “greatest heavy metal show ever,” was a heartfelt tribute to the band’s roots and a poignant farewell to their devoted fanbase.
A Historic Homecoming for Heavy Metal’s Founders
Black Sabbath, formed in Birmingham in 1968, returned to their hometown for a final bow, reuniting original members Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums) for the first time in 20 years. The event, held at Villa Park—the home stadium of the band’s beloved Aston Villa football team—was a fitting close to their storied career, which has seen over 75 million albums sold worldwide. The concert, titled “Back to the Beginning,” symbolized a return to the band’s origins in Aston, where they pioneered the heavy metal genre.
The day-long extravaganza, produced by Live Nation and hosted by actor Jason Momoa, featured an all-star lineup of metal and rock giants, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Mastodon, Rival Sons, Anthrax, Halestorm, and Lamb of God. A supergroup of musicians, including Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), Sammy Hagar (Van Halen), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), and Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), also performed, paying homage to Black Sabbath’s influence.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Performance
Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness,” took the stage seated on a bat-and-skull-encrusted throne, a necessity due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease and mobility issues following spinal surgeries. Despite his physical limitations, Osbourne’s spirit and voice remained powerful, captivating the crowd with a five-song solo set: “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Suicide Solution,” “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” and “Crazy Train.” He was joined by his solo band, featuring guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Mike Inez, keyboardist Adam Wakeman, and drummer Tommy Clufetos.
Osbourne then reunited with Black Sabbath for a four-song set of classics: “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “N.I.B.,” and “Paranoid.” The emotional performance culminated with Osbourne declaring, “I f***ing love you,” as fireworks and confetti filled the night sky, leaving fans in tears. The crowd’s enthusiastic sing-alongs compensated for Osbourne’s frail vocals, creating a mutual celebration of the band’s legacy.
A Star-Studded Tribute to Black Sabbath’s Legacy
The “Back to the Beginning” concert was a 10-hour celebration of Black Sabbath’s impact on heavy metal, with performances that traced the band’s influence across generations. Highlights included Yungblud’s emotional cover of “Changes,” dedicated to late Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, and Alice in Chains performing Black Sabbath’s “Fairies Wear Boots” alongside their hits “Man in the Box” and “Would?” Mastodon’s Troy Sanders thanked Black Sabbath for “inventing this genre that we call home,” while Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe energized the crowd with a cover of “Children of the Grave.”
Birmingham embraced the event with fervor, decking the city in purple balloons, flags, and murals. Fans flocked to landmarks like the Black Sabbath Bridge and the animatronic “Ozzy the Bull” at New Street Station, turning the concert into a city-wide pilgrimage. The event, organized by Sharon Osbourne and musical director Tom Morello, was livestreamed globally by Mercury Studios and Kiswe, with video-on-demand access available until July 7, 2025, via www.backtothebeginning.com.[](
Ozzy’s Health Challenges and Charitable Impact
Osbourne, 76, has faced significant health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple surgeries, which halted his “No More Tours 2” farewell tour in 2018 after only nine months. Sharon Osbourne, his wife and manager, emphasized that “Back to the Beginning” was Ozzy’s chance to say a proper goodbye to fans, calling it his “full stop.” Despite his inability to walk, Sharon noted that his voice remains strong, a testament to his resilience.
All proceeds from the concert are being equally distributed to three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, reflecting the band’s commitment to giving back to their community.
Fan Reactions and Black Sabbath’s Enduring Legacy
Fans expressed a mix of gratitude and sadness on social media, with posts on X calling the concert a “bittersweet end to a legendary era” and praising Black Sabbath for “defining heavy metal.” One fan wrote, “Ozzy and Sabbath went out with a bang, not a whimper. Thank you for the music.” The event underscored Black Sabbath’s monumental influence, with their heavy, sludgy sound—forged by Iommi’s detuned guitar and Osbourne’s haunting vocals—shaping the genre since their 1970 debut album.
As Birmingham bid farewell to its most famous sons, the concert was more than a performance—it was a reckoning, a homecoming, and a final roar from the godfathers of heavy metal. For those who missed the live event, the livestream replay offers a chance to witness this historic moment. Visit www.nriglobe.com for more music news and updates.
