Ozzy Osbourne performs with original Black Sabbath bandmates at their farewell concert
In a historic and poignant event, legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath said their final goodbyes to fans worldwide on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham. The band, which first formed over 50 years ago in their hometown, gathered their original members – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – for a once-in-a-lifetime reunion concert titled "Back to the Beginning".
The mega-concert was hosted by actor and metal fan Jason Momoa, with Tom Morello serving as the musical director. The lineup featured an impressive array of legendary artists and bands, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Anthrax, Halestorm, Rival Sons, and many more.
Two special "supergroups" made up of rock and metal icons such as Slash, Billy Corgan, Jonathan Davis, Sammy Hagar, Lzzy Hale, and others performed collaborative sets. Unique moments included a drum-off between multiple drummers at the midpoint and video tributes from artists who could not attend, like AC/DC, Def Leppard, Elton John, Marilyn Manson, and Dolly Parton.
Ozzy Osbourne, at 76 years old and battling advanced Parkinson’s disease, performed four solo songs before joining Black Sabbath for the final group performance. He expressed hope that his fans would continue to support him during his battle with the disease, acknowledging that their support over the years made it possible for him to live the lifestyle he loves.
The concert was a massive, day-long event, lasting ten hours, starting from 1:00 PM BST and ending at the 10:30 PM local curfew. The entire event was live-streamed at backtothebeginning.com, allowing fans worldwide to witness the farewell.
All profits from the event were equally distributed among three charitable organizations: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. This philanthropic aspect added a meaningful layer to the farewell concert, supporting causes related to Parkinson’s research and children's healthcare in Birmingham.
This event was not just a monumental moment in rock history but also a heartfelt farewell filled with celebration, collaboration, and philanthropy, honoring the legacy of Black Sabbath in their very hometown.
Celebrities from various genres, such as Jason Momoa and Dolly Parton, extended their support by offering video tributes during the concert, immersing pop-culture masses in the spirit of the event. The diverse lineup of music artists, including Metallica, Halestorm, and a fusion of rock and metal icons in the supergroups, ensured the entertainment remained eclectic and engaging throughout the ten-hour concert.
