Black Sabbath bids adieu, Ozzy performs at their final live concert.
In a poignant and historic event, legendary rock band Black Sabbath performed their final concert in Birmingham, their hometown, on July 5, 2025. The momentous occasion, titled *Back To The Beginning*, marked the end of an era for the original Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums)—and was a grand celebration of their monumental impact on heavy metal music.
The concert, held at Villa Park football stadium, attracted approximately 40,000 fans, many of whom were seen with tears in their eyes during the emotional performances. Hollywood actor Jason Momoa hosted the day-long event, which was part of a nearly 10-hour benefit festival.
Ozzy Osbourne, 76, expressed his emotions during the concert, stating he had been "damn near flat" for six years. Despite his health issues and mobility difficulties, Osbourne led the band with his distinctive voice and performed some songs seated on a throne. The concert structure was similar to large music events like Live Aid, with a rotating stage for quick transitions between acts.
Black Sabbath, formed in 1968 and releasing their self-titled debut album in 1970, set themselves apart from contemporary rock with their heavy, distorted guitar riffs, dark themes, and distinctive voice. Their music has influenced multiple generations of musicians, and the *Back To The Beginning* concert was a testament to their enduring influence.
The event featured fourteen supporting acts, including legendary heavy metal and hard rock bands such as Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Slayer, Tool, Gojira, Anthrax, Lamb of God, Halestorm, Mastodon, and Rival Sons. Each supporting band covered at least one Black Sabbath or Ozzy Osbourne song during their sets.
Notable tributes included Halestorm performing "Perry Mason", Alice in Chains covering "Fairies Wear Boots", and Gojira playing "Under the Sun". Metallica contributed with a dedicated tribute as part of the lineup, covering "Hole in the Sky". Guns N' Roses offered a special tribute as well.
The diverse array of artists across genres highlighted Black Sabbath's broad legacy and the iconic status of Ozzy Osbourne in music history. Videos and live performances emphasized how Black Sabbath shaped the sound and culture of heavy metal, particularly their roots in Birmingham, a city widely recognized as a cradle of heavy metal.
The concert's extensive lineup from veteran and contemporary acts underscored the band's lasting relevance and the heavy metal community's deep respect and admiration. Tributes from a diverse array of artists, such as Def Leppard, Marilyn Manson, Billy Idol, Elton John, Dolly Parton, AC/DC's Angus Young and Brian Johnson, Judas Priest, and Ricky Gervais, further emphasized the band's broad legacy.
In conclusion, the *Back To The Beginning* concert in Birmingham served as a grand and heartfelt farewell to Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne's live performances, featuring a star-studded lineup, compelling tributes by Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and others, and reinforcing the band's monumental legacy in shaping heavy metal music worldwide.
Fans at the concert enjoyed not only the heartfelt performances by Black Sabbath but also the variety of music acts that covered their songs, making it an unforgettable entertainment experience. The wide range of artists who paid tribute to Black Sabbath during the concert, such as Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and Gojira, showcased the influence of Black Sabbath's music in the world of rock and music in general.
