Ozzy Osbourne bids adieu, Black Sabbath performs for the final time live.
### Black Sabbath's Historic Farewell: A Celebration of Heavy Metal Legends
After a momentous career spanning nearly five decades, Black Sabbath bid their final farewell to fans on two remarkable occasions. The iconic rock band, renowned as pioneers of heavy metal and other rock genres, performed their last concert on February 4, 2017, at the Genting Arena in Birmingham, marking the end of their 'The End Tour'. A decade later, on July 5, 2025, they reunited with their original lineup for a charity event titled "Back to the Beginning" at Villa Park, Aston, Birmingham.
In 2017, the original lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward graced the stage one last time for the climactic finale of their tour. The setlist featured Black Sabbath's most iconic hits, including "Paranoid," "Iron Man," and "War Pigs." This performance was documented in the film **"Black Sabbath: The End of The End"**[1].
The "Back to the Beginning" concert, held in 2025, saw Black Sabbath reuniting with their original lineup for the first time in 20 years. This landmark event was part of a charity effort, with proceeds going to local children's hospitals and a Parkinson's cure foundation[2][3].
During the 2025 concert, Ozzy Osbourne, who suffers from Parkinson's disease and other health issues, initially performed some solo songs seated on a throne. However, he later stood for a powerful and emotional rendition of Black Sabbath's classics[3]. The concert was a significant gathering of rock and metal artists, though information on specific tribute performances is not detailed in the available information[3].
Tickets for the "Back to the Beginning" concert sold out quickly, and the event was also live-streamed globally. The stream began at 3 pm UK time and was available for repeat viewing for 48 hours afterward[2].
Black Sabbath, formed in 1968 and releasing their self-titled debut album in 1970, have left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. Their distinctive sound, characterised by heavy, distorted guitar riffs, dark themes, and Osbourne's distinctive voice, set them apart from contemporary rock. Musicians across generations have cited Black Sabbath as an influence, with bands such as Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Slayer, and Tool paying tribute to them during the nearly 10-hour benefit festival at Villa Park[4].
At the emotional finale of the 2017 performance, Osbourne told his fans, "I was bloody laid up for six years. You can't imagine how I feel." Many fans in the stadium were seen wiping away tears during the performance[5].
Black Sabbath's final performances have been marked by significant reunions and impactful charity events, celebrating their legacy in heavy metal music.
[1] Black Sabbath: The End of The End (film) - IMDb [2] Black Sabbath's Final Show: A Charity Event for Local Children's Hospitals - Birmingham Mail [3] Black Sabbath's Original Lineup Reunites for Charity Concert - Rolling Stone [4] Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and More Pay Tribute to Black Sabbath at Villa Park - Loudwire [5] Ozzy Osbourne's Final Performance: A Bittersweet Goodbye - Billboard
In 2017, during the climactic finale of their tour "The End Tour", Black Sabbath performed their last concert, playing iconic hits such as "Paranoid" and "Iron Man".
A decade later, at the "Back to the Beginning" charity event in 2025, Black Sabbath reunited with their original lineup and performed their legendary music, including hits like "Paranoid" and "War Pigs".
