On July 5, 2025, in his hometown of Birmingham, England, the legendary Ozzy Osbourne took the stage in what was billed as his definitive final live performance. This monumental event, a day-long festival titled “Back to the Beginning,” also featured a historic reunion of the original black sabbath lineup – a moment fans had awaited for decades. The concert served as both a tribute to the pioneering heavy metal band and a heartfelt farewell from the iconic frontman, whose health issues have limited his ability to tour extensively.
Organized by Osbourne’s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, alongside Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, the festival unfolded at Villa Park stadium. It brought together a constellation of major rock and metal acts, all paying homage to Black Sabbath’s unparalleled influence. The atmosphere was charged with emotion and gratitude, underscoring the band’s foundational role in shaping generations of musicians and fans.
Back to the Beginning: A Monumental Gathering
The “Back to the Beginning” event wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of an entire subculture Black Sabbath helped create. Running for approximately ten to eleven hours, the festival showcased a vast lineup of prominent bands, each performing sets that included tributes and covers of Sabbath or Ozzy’s solo material. Attendees and viewers of the global livestream witnessed performances from giants like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons.
Jason Momoa enthusiastically hosted the festivities, actively engaging with the crowd and the performers. Beyond the main stage acts, curated supergroups featuring a who’s-who of rock and metal musicians delivered special tribute sets. These collaborations highlighted the deep and pervasive DNA of Black Sabbath found across diverse eras and genres of heavy music. Tributes came in various forms, from powerful live covers to video messages from global superstars like Dolly Parton and Elton John, all acknowledging Sabbath’s enduring impact.
A Star-Studded Tribute to Heavy Metal’s Roots
The sheer scale of the lineup underscored the reverence the music community holds for Black Sabbath. Artists didn’t just play songs; they shared personal stories of how the band inspired their careers and shaped their lives. Metallica’s James Hetfield articulated this sentiment directly, telling the crowd, “Without Sabbath there would be no Metallica.” He thanked the band for providing a “purpose in life.”
Musical director Tom Morello meticulously crafted the day to be “the most important day in the history of heavy metal music.” He assembled diverse artists to showcase Sabbath’s wide-ranging influence, even on bands from the alternative rock scene of the 90s. While some performances were noted for their precision and passion, like Tool’s cover of “Hand of Doom,” others generated discussion, such as the mixed reaction received by Disturbed singer David Draiman during one of the all-star jams. Despite minor incidents, the prevailing mood was one of collective celebration and deep respect for the godfathers of metal.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Personal Farewell Set
Before the highly anticipated Black Sabbath reunion, Ozzy Osbourne himself delivered a five-song solo set, billed as his own final performance. Battling significant health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease, emphysema, and recovery from multiple spinal surgeries, the 76-year-old icon performed while seated on a striking black winged throne. This setup has been necessary for his recent limited public appearances due to mobility issues.
Ozzy’s solo performance featured longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde and included fan favorites such as “Mr. Crowley,” “Mama I’m Coming Home,” and the electrifying “Crazy Train.” Having been largely “laid up for six years,” as he put it, since his last full concert in late 2018, Osbourne expressed profound joy at being back on stage. He told the Birmingham crowd how good it felt to be performing again, acknowledging the long break forced by his health.
The Prince of Darkness Bids Adieu
The solo set allowed Osbourne a personal moment to connect with his fans one last time under his own banner. “Mama I’m Coming Home,” a poignant ballad, reportedly moved both the audience and Ozzy himself. His decision to hold this final event in Birmingham was deeply meaningful, rooted in his desire to conclude his performance career in the city where his journey began. He had previously stated he “had to go back to the beginning” to properly thank his fans for their unwavering support throughout his extensive career.
Sharon Osbourne echoed the sentiment of finality, stating she is “done” with the demanding schedule of touring and management after decades in the industry. For Ozzy, the choice also reflected a personal longing to live his remaining years peacefully with his family, rather than facing the possibility of “die[ing] in a hotel room somewhere,” as he had shared previously. The “Back to the Beginning” event was designed to provide this definitive, celebratory closure on his own terms.
The Historic Black Sabbath Reunion
The culmination of the day arrived with the appearance of the original Black Sabbath quartet: vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler (Terence Butler), and, significantly, drummer Bill Ward. This marked the first time all four founding members had shared a stage together in two decades, with Ward having been absent from the band’s later activities, including the 2013 album 13 and their 2017 “The End” tour.
Despite Iommi hinting at a short set due to stamina considerations, the band delivered a powerful four-song performance comprised entirely of classic tracks from their seminal 1970 and 1971 albums. The setlist was a dream for long-time fans, opening with the anti-war epic “War Pigs.” They followed with the bass-heavy “N.I.B.” from their debut, before concluding with a one-two punch from the Paranoid album: the riff-defining “Iron Man” and the iconic title track “Paranoid.”
A True End for the Original Four
Seeing the original four members together again, even for a brief set, held immense historical weight. Bill Ward’s presence completed the lineup that invented heavy metal, adding an extra layer of authenticity and emotion to the farewell. As with his solo performance, Ozzy remained seated on his throne for the Sabbath set, delivering vocals with noticeable vigor despite his physical limitations.
Towards the end of the set, before the final song, Osbourne addressed the roaring crowd with heartfelt words. He reportedly told them, “Unfortunately, we’ve come to our final song… ever.” He expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the band, acknowledging that the fans’ support had made their lifestyle possible. With visible emotion, he concluded, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you; we love you.” The performance ended with fireworks, marking a definitive conclusion to Black Sabbath’s live history with their original lineup in their birthplace.
The Legacy Cemented
The “Back to the Beginning” concert drew over 42,000 attendees to Villa Park and reportedly garnered over 3 million paid livestream viewers worldwide, demonstrating the immense global reach and enduring popularity of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. The event was not just a performance but a testament to their foundational influence on music and culture. Proceeds from the concert and livestream were designated to benefit important charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, adding a significant philanthropic element to the farewell.
While Ozzy Osbourne has sometimes been portrayed through a pop culture lens, the Birmingham event powerfully reaffirmed his status as a musical force and celebrated Black Sabbath’s undisputed place as titans of rock ‘n’ roll. The gathering provided a sense of closure, not just for the band members but for the countless fans and musicians they inspired, ensuring their groundbreaking legacy is cemented with a final, unforgettable night in the city where it all began.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the original Black Sabbath members reunite for this concert?
Yes, the “Back to the Beginning” concert in Birmingham on July 5, 2025, featured the original Black Sabbath lineup: Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). This was the first time all four founding members had performed together in twenty years.
What were the main reasons for Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance?
Ozzy Osbourne’s decision to make this his final live performance stems primarily from significant health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, emphysema, and multiple spinal surgeries that have severely limited his mobility. He also expressed a desire to retire from touring and spend his remaining time at home with his family.
What songs were on Black Sabbath’s setlist at the “Back to the Beginning” event?
The original Black Sabbath lineup played a four-song set at the Birmingham farewell concert. The setlist consisted entirely of classic tracks from their early albums: “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.”
