Birmingham, England witnessed a potentially historic musical moment on July 5, 2025. Heavy metal pioneers black <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/07/05/ozzy-osbourne-goes-out-on-a-high-at-farewell-gig/” title=”Ozzy Osbourne's Ultimate Farewell: Legends Unite for Gig”>sabbath, alongside their legendary frontman Ozzy Osbourne, took the stage at Villa Park for what was billed as their final performance. Before a massive crowd of 40,000 devoted fans, this epic event served as a powerful tribute to the band credited with inventing the heavy metal genre. The concert featured an unparalleled lineup of rock and metal giants deeply influenced by the Birmingham icons.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with emotion as fans gathered from around the globe. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of a monumental legacy. The day was packed with performances from bands whose very existence owes a debt to Black Sabbath’s groundbreaking sound.
The Principality’s Farewell Performance
Ozzy Osbourne, at 76 years old and living with Parkinson’s disease, delivered a poignant performance. He sang his solo hits while seated on a striking black throne, a necessary adjustment due to ongoing health challenges. Despite performing while seated, Ozzy fully engaged with the massive audience. He clapped, waved his arms, and flashed those familiar wild-eyed looks that defined his stage persona for decades.
Visibly moved by the occasion, Ozzy shared his deep gratitude with the fans. “You have no idea how I feel,” he told the roaring crowd. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” His voice, while showing signs of age and health struggles, still carried a remarkable punch, powering through iconic tracks. Sharon Osbourne, his wife, had noted he took singing lessons to prepare for this show. She also stated his voice was “absolutely perfect,” despite the physical limitations requiring him to sit. During his set, Ozzy urged the crowd to participate, commanding them to put their hands in the air. Fans sang along to hits like “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” providing a powerful chorus that seemed to support him through his set.
A Rare Black Sabbath Reunion
A highlight for many was the appearance of the original Black Sabbath lineup. For the first time in 20 years, Ozzy Osbourne was joined by guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward on stage. This reunion marked a significant moment, as Ward had not participated in the band’s most recent tours, including “The End” run from 2016-2017.
After performing five songs from his extensive solo career, Ozzy welcomed his Sabbath bandmates. Together, the four played four additional songs, including their legendary 1970 track “Paranoid.” This segment with the original quartet was particularly meaningful for long-time fans, showcasing the chemistry that forged heavy metal itself. The set concluded with “Iron Man,” a fitting end before confetti and fireworks rained down. Ozzy was then wheeled off stage, bidding farewell with blown kisses and a final, expletive message on the screens: “Thank you for everything, you guys are f*ing amazing. Birmingham Forever.”
An Unprecedented Gathering of Rock Royalty
The supporting lineup for the “Back to the Beginning” concert was nothing short of astounding. It was often described as potentially the greatest heavy metal lineup ever assembled. The bill featured an array of bands directly influenced by Black Sabbath’s groundbreaking sound. Legends like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Anthrax, Lamb Of God, Halestorm, Mastodon, and Rival Sons performed their own sets.
Crucially, many artists took time during their performances to pay explicit tribute to Black Sabbath. James Hetfield of Metallica declared, “Without Sabbath there would be no Metallica,” thanking them for providing a “purpose in life.” Phil Anselmo of Pantera called Black Sabbath “The greatest of all time,” emphasizing that every artist on the bill would be “different people” without their influence. Former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar echoed this sentiment backstage, calling Sabbath “the kings.” Hagar predicted the event would “go down in history as the greatest metal event of all time.”
More Than Just Music: Charity, Spectacle, and Soul
Dubbed the “heavy metal Live Aid,” the event had a significant charitable component. Profits from the show, including the potentially controversial high ticket prices and livestream fees, were shared among three vital charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. This focus added another layer of meaning to the farewell celebration.
The concert also featured unique collaborations and moments of spectacle. Various star-studded supergroups formed throughout the day, showcasing incredible talent combinations. These included musicians like Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Travis Barker (Blink-182), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), and KK Downing (Judas Priest). A highlight for drum aficionados was a three-way “drum-off” featuring Travis Barker, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Danny Carey (Tool).
Adding to the star power, Hollywood actor Jason Momoa served as the show’s compere. Momoa embraced the spirit of the event, even stating his intention to join the moshpit at one point. He underscored the historical significance of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, referring to them as “the best who’ve ever done it.” The event also featured video messages from other celebrities, including Jack Black, Billy Idol, Dolly Parton, and comedian Ricky Gervais, all paying homage to the Prince of Darkness and his band.
The Fan Experience: Passion, Protest, and Poignancy
The atmosphere at Villa Park, located a short distance from Ozzy’s childhood home in Aston, was a vibrant tribute. The pitch was a sea of Black Sabbath T-shirts and raised “rock on” hand signs. Areas erupted in moshing, embodying the raw energy the band pioneered. Among the crowd, some waved inflatable bats, a nod to Ozzy’s infamous (and often misunderstood) 1982 on-stage incident.
However, the event was not without challenges for attendees. Many fans voiced significant frustration regarding the high cost and availability of tickets. Prices reportedly ranged from £200 up to exorbitant figures, with standing tickets seen priced as high as £2932.50 due to dynamic pricing mechanisms. Fans took to social media to complain about prices far exceeding multi-day festivals and technical issues with the ticketing platform. Despite the expense, the venue was packed, reflecting the fans’ determination to witness this momentous occasion.
Fan reactions after the show were mixed but largely emotional. Many expressed sympathy for Ozzy’s visible health struggles, finding it sad to see him performing under such physical duress. Others focused on the strength of his voice despite his condition and the sheer significance of the event. There was a shared sense of experiencing the end of an era, witnessing the final bow of arguably the most influential heavy metal band and its enduring, complex frontman. Paramedics were on hand, assisting some fans in the dense crowd, underscoring the intensity of the experience for the 40,000 attendees.
A Legacy Cemented in Sound
Black Sabbath’s impact on music is immeasurable. Their raw, heavy sound, coupled with Ozzy’s distinctive vocals and wild persona, created a new genre. This farewell concert was more than just a show; it was a testament to that enduring legacy. The gathering of so many influential bands, all acknowledging their debt to Sabbath, underscored the band’s foundational role in heavy music history.
Ozzy Osbourne, a figure who survived decades of excess and faced numerous health crises, remains a working-class hero to many. His perceived authenticity, refusal to conform, and sheer survival resonate deeply with fans. This performance, perhaps his final live bow, adds another chapter to a legendary, unpredictable story. While his body has taken a toll, the spirit of the Prince of Darkness and the indelible mark left by Black Sabbath remain potent forces in music. The “Back to the Beginning” gig provided a fitting, emotional, and star-studded send-off, cementing their place among the greatest of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the Black Sabbath reunion at the farewell concert?
The concert featured the first performance by the full original Black Sabbath lineup – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – since 2005. This was notable because drummer Bill Ward had not participated in the band’s final touring years, including their 2016-2017 “The End” tour. This reunion allowed the band credited with inventing heavy metal to take the stage together one last time.
Where did Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath hold their final reported concert?
The concert, billed as the final live performance for both Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, took place at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. This location holds particular significance as Birmingham is the band’s home city and Villa Park is situated a short distance from Ozzy Osbourne’s childhood home in Aston. The event occurred on July 5, 2025.
How did Ozzy Osbourne’s health affect his performance at the farewell concert?
Ozzy Osbourne, who has Parkinson’s disease and other health issues, performed his set while seated on a black throne. While his voice occasionally wavered due to health challenges, he was still able to engage strongly with the crowd, showing his spirit and gratitude. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, confirmed he had been taking singing lessons and that his voice was good, but physical limitations required him to perform sitting down.
