Rock history witnessed a poignant moment as Ozzy osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself, took his final bow on the live stage. Joined by his legendary black sabbath bandmates, the iconic frontman headlined an epic farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England. The event, held on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, was far more than just a performance; it was a heartfelt tribute to a towering career, marked by resilience, star-studded appearances, and deep emotional resonance for fans worldwide.
Ozzy Osbourne, at 76, delivered his final live set during the sprawling “Back To The Beginning” concert at Villa Park. This significant event drew tens of thousands of devoted fans to the city where heavy metal was forged. The 10-hour spectacle served as both a celebration of Black Sabbath’s roots and a definitive closing chapter for Osbourne’s public performance career. His decision to step away from touring is directly linked to his ongoing, significant health challenges.
A Star-Studded Homage to a Legend
The Birmingham concert wasn’t solely about Ozzy and Black Sabbath; it was a gathering of rock royalty paying respects. Hosted by actor Jason Momoa, the lineup featured an incredible array of talent. Acts like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Anthrax, and many more graced the stage. These artists performed a mix of their own hits and powerful covers of Black Sabbath classics, underscoring the Birmingham band’s colossal influence on generations of musicians. James Hetfield of Metallica openly acknowledged this debt, stating simply, “Without Sabbath there would be no Metallica.”
A particularly memorable moment included a drum battle featuring drumming titans such as Tool’s Danny Carey, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, and Blink-182’s Travis Barker. They delivered a thunderous cover of Sabbath’s “Symptom of the Universe.” The event also showcased two supergroups, bringing together artists like Billy Corgan, Tom Morello, and Fred Durst for unique collaborations.
Beyond the live music, emotional video messages from global stars were played. Figures like Elton John, Dolly Parton, Billy Idol, Jonathan Davis, and even Ricky Gervais offered heartfelt tributes. Sir Elton John lauded Ozzy as “one of the most remarkable singers of our time,” acknowledging his resilience through health struggles and declaring him “the king, the legend.” These messages highlighted the widespread impact Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne have had across the music industry.
Ozzy’s Poignant Final Performance
The culmination of the night focused squarely on Ozzy Osbourne and the historic Black Sabbath reunion. After a set by Metallica, Ozzy performed a five-song solo set with his touring band. Due to his health conditions, including advanced Parkinson’s disease, he performed seated. lifted onto the stage atop a black throne adorned with skulls and a bat motif. Despite remaining seated, Osbourne actively engaged the crowd. He opened his set with a defiant “Are you ready? Let the madness begin!” and powered through hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mama I’m Coming Home.”
The true historical moment arrived when Ozzy was joined by the original Black Sabbath members: guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and, notably, drummer Bill Ward. This marked Bill Ward’s first performance with the band since 2005, making the reunion particularly significant. Together, the founding four played a four-song set of Sabbath classics. While the full setlist included staples like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man” (reportedly his final song), and “Paranoid,” the focus was on seeing these pioneers share a stage one last time.
Throughout his performance, Ozzy was visibly moved and expressed deep gratitude to the audience. He shared his emotions from the stage, telling the crowd, “It’s so good to be on this stage… You have no idea how I feel.” He repeatedly thanked his fans “from the bottom of my heart” for their unwavering support over the decades, which, as he put it, “has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle.” As the final notes faded, fireworks erupted over Villa Park, marking an unforgettable farewell.
Navigating Health Challenges with Unyielding Spirit
Ozzy Osbourne’s performance from a throne underscored the physical toll his health battles have taken. In February 2023, he announced the cancellation of his planned European/UK tour dates, citing he was “not physically capable” of the required travel. He has been remarkably open about his struggles with Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2020 (though some sources cite 2003, likely due to a related diagnosis), and the aftermath of a near-fatal ATV accident in 2003.
His journey has involved multiple operations, stem cell treatments, and extensive physical therapy, including the use of a robotic exoskeleton. While his “singing voice is fine,” as he has stated, his mobility is severely impacted. On a January 2024 episode of his Sirius XM show, “Ozzy Speaks,” he discussed difficulties walking but maintained a positive outlook. “I go on about the way I can’t walk… but for all my complaining, I’m still alive,” he reflected, noting friends who didn’t make it. Despite needing assistance and visible struggles during his set, he demonstrated the “consummate showman” quality admired by fans. His appearance was a testament to his determination to give his fans one last show despite the immense physical hurdles.
Beyond the Stage: Legacy, Charity, and Family
The “Back To The Beginning” concert was also tied to charitable efforts. Proceeds from the event were designated for three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. This charitable focus added another layer of meaning to the farewell, directly linking the event to causes personally relevant to Osbourne’s health journey and his community.
The event also provided a glimpse into the Osbournes’ personal lives. Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager, added a touch of behind-the-scenes drama by revealing she had disinvited a band from the lineup for attempting to profit excessively from the charitable event. The concert also saw a joyous family moment backstage when Ozzy’s daughter, Kelly Osbourne, became engaged to her boyfriend, Slipknot rocker Sid Wilson, sharing footage of Ozzy’s surprised reaction. These personal anecdotes highlighted the family aspect of the monumental occasion. Fan reactions online ranged from emotional appreciation for Ozzy’s effort and vocal strength to sadness over his physical condition, reflecting the complex feelings surrounding an icon’s final performance.
The concert marked a true “full stop” on a career that redefined heavy metal music. Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s influence is immeasurable, shaping countless bands and continuing to resonate with millions. Their final performance together in their birthplace was a fitting, albeit emotional, conclusion to an extraordinary era in rock and roll history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs did Ozzy Osbourne perform at his final concert with Black Sabbath?
At the “Back To The Beginning” farewell show in Birmingham, Ozzy Osbourne performed a mix of his solo hits and Black Sabbath classics. During his solo set, he sang songs like “Crazy Train” and “Mama I’m Coming Home.” When joined by the original Black Sabbath members, they performed iconic tracks such as “War Pigs,” “Iron Man” (which was reportedly the final song of the night), and “Paranoid.”
Where did the Ozzy Osbourne Black Sabbath final concert take place?
The historic farewell concert featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath was held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. Birmingham is the city where Black Sabbath originally formed in 1968, making the venue for this final show a significant return to their roots. The event was a massive, all-day festival drawing tens of thousands of fans.
Why did Ozzy Osbourne perform seated at his farewell show?
Ozzy Osbourne performed seated on a throne due to ongoing and significant health issues, most notably advanced Parkinson’s disease. He has also faced mobility challenges following multiple surgeries and physical therapy after a severe ATV accident and other health scares over the years. While his singing voice remains strong, his physical condition necessitated performing from a chair for his final live appearances.
—
The “Back To The Beginning” event stands as a powerful testament to Ozzy Osbourne’s enduring legacy and the groundbreaking impact of Black Sabbath. Despite battling health challenges, the legendary frontman delivered a final, memorable performance in his hometown, surrounded by fellow icons and his original bandmates. It was a night of raw emotion, heavy riffs, and a fitting send-off for one of music’s most influential figures, leaving an indelible mark on history and the hearts of his fans.
