Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne bids adieu to live stage performances in a poignant concert for a 40,000-strong crowd at his hometown.
In a monumental event that marked the end of an era in heavy metal, the "Back to the Beginning" concert took place on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park soccer stadium in Birmingham, central England. This was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of Black Sabbath's legacy, a tribute to their iconic frontman Ozzy Osbourne, and a reunion of the original band members after a two-decade hiatus.
The evening began with Black Sabbath taking the stage, performing a powerful and concise set that focused on their most iconic tracks, including "War Pigs," "N.I.B.," "Iron Man," and "Paranoid." The band's devil imagery and thunderous sound had once made them one of the most influential and parent-scaring metal acts of their era, and their performance at Villa Park proved that they had lost none of their magic.
As the night wore on, it was time for Ozzy Osbourne to take centre stage. The 76-year-old, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, sang from a black throne that rose up from under the stage. He expressed his gratitude to the fans, stating he had been laid up for six years and had no idea how he felt - thanking them from the bottom of his heart.
Ozzy performed several songs solo, including "I Don't Know," "Mr. Crowley," "Suicide Solution," "Mama, I'm Coming Home," and "Crazy Train." The highlight of his set came when he was joined onstage by Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Terence "Geezer" Butler, and Bill Ward. Together, they performed a series of songs that sent the crowd into a frenzy, culminating in a rousing rendition of "Paranoid."
The event featured a host of metal and rock legends as guests, making it a fitting tribute to Black Sabbath’s legacy. Artists such as Jack Black, Dolly Parton, and Elton John sent plaudits and well-wishes to Ozzy Osbourne. Notable attendees included Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Sammy Hagar, Mastodon, Rival Sons, Anthrax, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, and Gojira. Drummers Travis Barker, Danny Carey, and Chad Smith also made an appearance, as did other guest musicians such as Nuno Bettencourt, David Draiman, Lzzy Hale, Yungblod, and Frank Bello.
The "Back to the Beginning" concert was a landmark event, bringing together the original Black Sabbath lineup for their final performance, with Ozzy Osbourne also delivering a solo set. It was a fitting tribute to Black Sabbath’s legacy and a poignant farewell to one of heavy metal's most iconic acts.
The concert at Villa Park soccer stadium was not only a celebration of heavy metal but also a testament to the power of music in entertainment and culture, resonating with fans and artists worldwide. The special appearance of metal and rock legends as guests added a layer of entertainment that transcended the genre, making it a significant event in the history of music.
