Ozzy's Farewell Performance: Black Sabbath Bid Adieu on Final Live Show
In the heart of Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025, the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath performed their final concert, marking the end of an era in the music industry. Known as 'Back to the Beginning', the event took place at Villa Park football stadium, the band's original hometown, where it all began over 50 years ago.
The concert was a nostalgic journey for fans, as the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—took the stage for the first time in 20 years. Bill Ward's return to the band after a 20-year absence was a significant moment, adding an extra layer of emotion to the historic performance.
Black Sabbath's setlist was a brief yet powerful four-song performance, closing the event with their iconic hits "War Pigs", "Iron Man", "N.I.B.", and "Paranoid". The finale was marked by fireworks and confetti, creating a memorable spectacle for the thousands of fans in attendance.
Ozzy Osbourne, who has been open about his health-related difficulties with mobility, initially performed seated on a throne throughout his set. However, he surprised the audience by standing up for the final performance with Black Sabbath. Before performing "Mama, I'm Coming Home", Ozzy told his fans he was "damn near flat for six years" but was determined to give his all for this special night.
The concert structure allowed for quicker transitions between acts, similar to large-scale music events like Live Aid, ensuring that the energy remained high throughout the night. The event was a benefit festival, with all profits split between Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
*Back to the Beginning* was not just a Black Sabbath farewell but a massive celebration of rock and metal. The concert featured numerous rock legends, including Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Slayer, and Tool. Additionally, there were two "supergroups" featuring rock icons like Slash, Billy Corgan, Tom Morello, and Jonathan Davis performing collaborative sets.
The concert was hosted by actor and metal fan Jason Momoa, adding further star power to the event. This farewell show was both a momentous occasion for fans worldwide and a poignant tribute to the legacy of one of heavy metal’s most influential bands, honored by the participation and tributes of many of their contemporaries and successors in the rock and metal community.
As the concert drew to a close, Ozzy expressed his heartfelt thanks to the crowd, saying, “I fucking love you,” as the band took their final bow. The night ended with tears in the eyes of many fans, marking the end of an era in the world of heavy metal.
Fans of heavy metal were treated to a unique lineup of legendary acts at the "Back to the Beginning" event, including Black Sabbath, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Slayer, and Tool, transforming it into a celebration of rock and metal music.
During the final performance with Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, despite his mobility issues, surprised audiences by standing up, further elevating the emotional impact of the historic event.
