Summary
On July 5, 2025, legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath reunited with frontman Ozzy Osbourne for their final concert, Back to the Beginning, held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. The emotional event marked Ozzy’s last live performance, following years of health struggles, including Parkinson’s disease. The show featured a star-studded lineup of tribute acts—Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Ghost, and more—each honoring Sabbath’s legacy. Ozzy performed a full solo set while seated on a throne, delivering fan favorites like “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” He then joined original bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for four final Sabbath songs: “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.”
When legends say goodbye, the world listens. On July 5, 2025, the heavy metal universe paused for one final bow from the band that started it all—Black Sabbath, reunited for a once-in-a-lifetime farewell with their iconic frontman, Ozzy Osbourne. Aptly titled “Back to the Beginning,” the concert was held in their hometown of Birmingham, England, and it wasn’t just a show—it was history.
From a powerful lineup of guest bands to an emotional reunion of original Sabbath members, the event was a heartfelt celebration of music, resilience, and legacy.
Back to the Beginning: A Historic Night
The show’s name wasn’t just symbolic—Back to the Beginning marked the first time the original Black Sabbath lineup performed together in their hometown since 2012. But it was also a farewell, particularly for Ozzy Osbourne, who announced this as his last-ever live performance.
After decades of global tours, pioneering albums, and genre-defining anthems, this was the closing chapter of a musical movement that started in a small English industrial town and conquered the world.
Why Birmingham Was the Perfect Stage
Birmingham isn’t just Black Sabbath’s hometown—it’s the birthplace of heavy metal. The choice of Villa Park stadium, home to Aston Villa F.C., added personal significance for Ozzy, a lifelong supporter of the football club.
A capacity crowd of 40,000 fans packed the stadium, while millions watched via livestream around the world.
Star-Studded Supporting Acts
The event wasn’t only about Sabbath. It was a day-long celebration of rock and metal, featuring an elite lineup of performers and bands influenced by Black Sabbath:
- Metallica
- Guns N’ Roses
- Slayer
- Anthrax
- Alice in Chains
- Ghost
- Corey Taylor
- Royal Blood
Each act performed original material and Sabbath tributes, adding personal meaning to their setlists. From Metallica’s cover of Sabbra Cadabra to Ghost’s haunting Changes, the tributes were heartfelt and electrifying.
Ozzy Osbourne: The Prince of Darkness Returns
Despite his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease and recent spinal surgeries, Ozzy delivered a full solo set. Though he performed seated on a custom black gothic throne, his voice carried strength and emotion throughout.
Ozzy told the crowd, “This is it. I love you all. You’ve been my family.” His wife Sharon and children Jack and Kelly watched from the front row, visibly emotional.
Setlist Highlights from Ozzy’s Solo Set
Ozzy’s portion of the concert featured both fan favorites and deeper cuts. Here’s a highlight of his setlist:
- Mr. Crowley
- Suicide Solution
- Bark at the Moon
- No More Tears
- Crazy Train
- Mama, I’m Coming Home
- Shot in the Dark
- Dreamer
Every song was performed with conviction, reminding fans of Ozzy’s irreplaceable place in rock history.
Black Sabbath Reunion – The Core Four Together Again
After Ozzy’s solo set, the stadium darkened—then lit up with a roaring announcement: the original Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—had reunited for one last time.
The crowd erupted. This was the emotional climax: the full, founding lineup on stage, shoulder to shoulder.
Setlist from the Black Sabbath Segment
The Sabbath reunion portion of the concert was short but unforgettable. They played:
- War Pigs
- N.I.B.
- Iron Man
- Paranoid
No theatrics. No frills. Just four legends, giving their all to the fans for one final roar.
Emotional Messages and Video Tributes
Between sets, tribute videos from stars across the globe played on the stadium screens:
- Elton John praised Ozzy as a showman.
- Dolly Parton called him “an unlikely legend of kindness.”
- Jack Black brought humor and heartfelt gratitude.
- Messages from Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, and Dave Grohl echoed the same theme—Ozzy and Sabbath changed everything.
Fans React Worldwide
More than 5.8 million people tuned into the global livestream, according to event organizers. Hashtags like #FarewellOzzy, #BackToTheBeginning, and #SabbathForever trended worldwide for over 24 hours.
Fans called it “a funeral and a celebration rolled into one.” Others said it was “the greatest metal moment of the 21st century.”
Charities and Causes Behind the Show
The concert raised funds for:
- Cure Parkinson’s Trust
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital
- Acorn Children’s Hospice
A portion of all ticket, merch, and streaming sales went directly to support medical research and care.
Ozzy’s diagnosis didn’t keep him offstage—but it did motivate the night’s charitable mission.
Health, Parkinson’s, and Perseverance
Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020, along with a series of spinal and neck surgeries. Despite his health, he promised fans one final performance—and delivered beyond expectations.
His courage was evident. His energy? Undiminished. He didn’t just sing—he inspired.
A Look Back at Sabbath’s Legacy
Founded in 1968, Black Sabbath essentially created heavy metal. Albums like:
- Paranoid (1970)
- Master of Reality (1971)
- Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973)
…defined a genre and inspired generations. Without Sabbath, there’s arguably no Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, or Ghost.
Musical Influence Across Generations
Ozzy’s solo career wasn’t just a second act—it was a genre of its own. Tracks like Crazy Train, Flying High Again, and No More Tears are staples in hard rock and metal.
Newer artists like Bring Me The Horizon and Bad Omens have cited Ozzy and Sabbath as foundational to their sound and careers.
What This Show Means for Metal
This wasn’t just a concert. It was the passing of the torch, the closing of a book, the celebration of a kingdom built on distorted riffs and dark poetry.
And yet, it didn’t feel like the end. The legacy lives on—in every band that ever played a heavy riff, and every fan who wore a Sabbath patch with pride.
Conclusion
Back to the Beginning was everything fans hoped for and more. Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath didn’t just play music—they told their story one last time. A story of rebellion, resilience, and a sound that changed the world.
It was epic and emotional. It was the end of an era—but the beginning of legend.
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FAQs
1. Was this really Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert?
Yes. Due to ongoing health issues, Ozzy has confirmed this was his last full-length live performance.
2. Who performed alongside Black Sabbath at the farewell show?
Acts included Metallica, Slayer, Ghost, Anthrax, Alice in Chains, Corey Taylor, Royal Blood, and more.
3. Where was the final concert held?
The concert was held at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025.
4. Did all four original Sabbath members perform together?
Yes. Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward reunited on stage for the first time in over a decade.
5. Was the concert livestreamed?
Yes. Over 5.8 million fans watched the concert online via a global livestream.
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