Birmingham, England – On July 5, 2025, heavy metal history reached a poignant milestone. More than 50 years after forging their sonic identity in the city’s industrial heartland, Ozzy Osbourne and his legendary band black sabbath hosted an unprecedented event dubbed “Back to the Beginning.” Billed as a final farewell, this epic, 10-hour concert at Villa Park stadium served as both a massive tribute to Sabbath’s enduring legacy and Ozzy Osbourne’s final live performance.
Planned by Ozzy and his manager wife Sharon, the event aimed to give the Prince of Darkness a proper send-off. Ozzy regretted his 2018 “No More Tours 2” retirement being cut short by illness. This day gathered rock and metal’s biggest names to pay homage. While other bands have reneged on retirement promises, the atmosphere felt definitive. It was a celebration filled with love and respect for the band that fundamentally changed music. Proceeds from the concert were directed towards crucial charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
A Homecoming for the Gods of Metal
The choice of Villa Park, mere miles from where the original band members grew up, added profound significance. Birmingham, proudly embracing its title as the “home of heavy metal,” draped itself in black and declared a “Summer of Sabbath.” Tributes across the city, from bridge renamings to a dedicated bench and even a Black Sabbath ballet, underscored the deep local connection. Although the lineup featured many US acts, the spirit of the Birmingham homecoming was palpable.
Musical director Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine orchestrated the day. He assembled two special supergroups for the occasion. The event kicked off in the U.K. at 3 p.m., with a global livestream beginning two hours later. Mastodon delivered a vociferous opening set, followed by Rival Sons’ bluesy turn. Anthrax then stormed the stage for a spirited two-song performance. Every artist who played shared a Sabbath or Ozzy cover, or sometimes two, demonstrating the widespread impact of the honorees.
Moments That Defined the Day
The concert was packed with unforgettable performances and unique collaborations. It felt less like a standard festival and more like a grand, heavy metal variety show, albeit one with immense historical weight. The supporting artists’ sets were often short, around 15 minutes, keeping the energy high and showcasing a vast array of talent in a compressed timeframe.
Jason Momoa: The Ultimate Metal Host
Actor Jason Momoa served as the energetic host. Early on, he declared it “the most epic day in the history of heavy metal.” Momoa’s genuine enthusiasm was infectious. He snapped photos and videos from the side stage. He even lived up to a threat to jump into the mosh pit during Pantera’s set. Cameras captured him giddily bouncing with fans. Momoa proved he truly “walks the Walk” when it comes to rock music passion.
Jack Black’s “Mr. Crowley” Tribute
Jason Momoa’s “Minecraft” co-star, Jack Black, is a seasoned rock performer himself as half of Tenacious D. He made his mark via a pre-taped video. This featured him covering Ozzy’s classic “Mr. Crowley” alongside Roman Morello (Tom Morello’s son) and Revel Ian (Scott Ian of Anthrax’s son). Black’s rendition was perhaps the day’s wackiest take on an Ozzy song. However, it was also remarkably faithful vocally, capturing both Ozzy’s wistful croon and sinister delivery.
Lizzy Hale’s Powerful Vocals
Halestorm singer Lizzy Hale was the only woman featured on the bill. She delivered two powerful originals before tackling an Osbourne classic, “Perry Mason.” Later, she returned to perform another ‘80s solo-era track, “Ultimate Sin.” This performance featured a powerhouse backing band including Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt, and original Ozzy bandmates Jake E. Lee on guitar and Mike Bordin on drums. Hale’s presence highlighted that rock and metal are not gendered, and as she put it, “we are all Sabbath’s children.”
Nuno Bettencourt’s Guitar Mastery
Among a stage full of formidable guitarists, Nuno Bettencourt arguably offered the most impressive playing. His work during the all-star jam sessions was intricate, soulful, and compelling to watch. Notably, he backed Disturbed frontman Dave Draiman on the groovy Sabbath gem, “Sweet Leaf.” Draiman initially faced boos when he appeared. However, Bettencourt’s backing helped turn the crowd’s jeers into cheers by the song’s end.
The Legends Superjam Takes Flight
One of the day’s most talked-about moments was a massive jam session. Icons like Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith paid their respects. This head-spinning session also featured Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, Ghost’s Papa V Perpetua, Travis Barker, Sammy Hagar, and Living Colour’s Vernon Reid, among others. The supergroup performed eight songs. Half were Sabbath or Ozzy tributes. The jam also included Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” and Aerosmith hits, culminating in a transition from “Walk This Way” into Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” It was a true display of cross-generational respect.
Yungblud’s Emotive “Changes”
Known primarily as a pop-punk artist, British singer Yungblud defied expectations with his cover choice. While Fred Durst contributed a pre-recorded cello-accompanied version of Black Sabbath’s ballad “Changes,” Yungblud’s live take during a Morello jam session was deeply heartfelt. His emotive delivery resonated with the crowd, echoing the success of his David Bowie cover years prior. It garnered a surprisingly huge and emotional response from the metal audience.
Celebrity Drum Circle
A high-energy highlight featured three powerhouse drummers: Tool’s Danny Carey, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, and Blink-182’s Travis Barker. They played off, with, and against each other. This collective drumming prowess anchored a dynamic cover of Sabbath’s “Symptom of the Universe.” It was a display of rhythmic skill that captivated the audience.
Tool’s Powerful Set and Premier Cover
Los Angeles-based band Tool delivered a set marked by intensity and precision. They tore through their sonically seductive originals, “Forty Six & 2” and “Aenema.” They also made Sabbath’s “Hand of Doom” off the classic album Paranoid entirely their own. Singer Maynard James Keenan’s visceral vocals combined with the band’s brutal rhythm section created what some considered the best cover of the entire day. Tool demonstrated Black Sabbath’s influence transcending traditional metal boundaries.
Metallica and Guns N’ Roses Pay Respect
The two global giants, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, performed back-to-back just before the main event. Their presence highlighted their debt to Black Sabbath. Both bands brought surprising song choices and cover selections. Their stage chemistry was fascinating to observe. Metallica offered a more relaxed and fun set than their usual sonic fury, playing four originals (“For Whom the Bells Tolls,” “Master of Puppets”) and two deepcut Sabbath covers. Guns N’ Roses, with Axl Rose reportedly showing less ego and focused on the task, played four Sabbath covers and two of their own hits (“Welcome to the Jungle,” “Paradise City”). James Hetfield of Metallica stated directly, “Without Black Sabbath, there would be no Metallica.”
Tributes, Charities, and Controversy
Beyond the live music, the event included heartfelt video messages. Dolly Parton, Elton John, Billy Idol, and Jonathan Davis were among those sharing how Black Sabbath influenced their careers. This added a touch of cross-genre appreciation. However, the inclusion of Marilyn Manson in these tributes sparked controversy online, being one of the few noted negative moments of the day.
Adding a layer of drama, Sharon Osbourne revealed she had disinvited a band from the concert. She stated the reason was their attempt to “cash in” or “make a profit” from the charity event, emphasizing it was “not the time to make a profit.” She promised to reveal the band’s identity later, believing people would be “shocked.” This underscored the event’s primary focus on charity and honoring the music, not personal gain.
Ozzy Takes His Throne
Despite years battling significant health issues, including Parkinson’s disease and spinal problems, Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals still possessed vigor. He appeared on stage seated on a bat-embellished throne, a theatrical nod acknowledging his physical limitations. His solo set included a highpoint with “Crazy Train.” The ballad “Mama I’m Coming Home,” however, brought many in the crowd to tears and deeply affected Ozzy himself. From his early shock rock antics to his later portrayal as a reality TV family man, Ozzy is a complex figure. His performance underscored that his musicianship is the true foundation of his legend.
The final moments belonged to Black Sabbath. This segment featured Ozzy reunited with the original, legendary lineup: guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and the much-anticipated return of drummer Bill Ward. Ward’s presence was particularly significant, bringing back the unique “swing” some felt other drummers lacked. Iommi’s iconic riffs remained monstrous, aided by the artificial fingertips he’s used since a factory accident decades ago – an accident that accidentally led to the detuned, heavier sound that defined metal. Butler’s bass provided the essential thunder.
The original Sabbath set was relatively short, featuring just four songs: “War Pigs,” “NIB,” “”Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.” These tracks, all drawn from their foundational first two albums, showcased the “unique bludgeoning force” that other bands couldn’t quite replicate. For all their early menacing mystique and association with controversy, the end of Osbourne’s musical journey and Sabbath’s final bow was not dark or debauched. It was a joyful, emotional experience shared with fans, family, and friends. It felt like a definitive and loving conclusion for the pioneers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the “Back to the Beginning” concert for?
The “Back to the Beginning” concert on July 5, 2025, was billed as Ozzy Osbourne’s final live performance and a grand farewell tribute to Black Sabbath. Held in their hometown of Birmingham, England, the event celebrated the band’s legacy, reunited the original Black Sabbath lineup, and served as a fundraiser for three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
Who were some of the major artists who performed at Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert?
The all-star lineup for the “Back to the Beginning” concert included a wide range of prominent rock and metal artists. Key performers and participants included Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Alice In Chains, Halestorm (Lizzy Hale), Anthrax, Mastodon, Rival Sons, Sammy Hagar, Billy Corgan, Steven Tyler, Ronnie Wood, Travis Barker, Chad Smith, Danny Carey, Nuno Bettencourt, Jake E. Lee, and Vernon Reid, among many others. Jason Momoa hosted the event.
How did Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath perform given their health and age?
Despite ongoing health issues like Parkinson’s, Ozzy Osbourne performed with notable vocal vigor, though seated on a throne. His solo set included emotional moments, particularly during “Mama I’m Coming Home.” The final Black Sabbath performance featured the original lineup (Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward) for a short, four-song set drawing from their early albums. While brief, the opportunity to see the legendary quartet together again was deeply significant and emotionally impactful for the audience, marking what felt like a definitive end.
A Fitting End to a Legendary Era
The “Back to the Beginning” concert was more than just a show; it was a defining moment for heavy metal and a heartfelt farewell to its architects. Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, and the entire community of artists who performed delivered an epic, emotional night in Birmingham. It underscored the band’s immense, foundational influence on generations of musicians. The event provided a fitting, joyful conclusion to a career and a band that truly reshaped the sound of music forever.
