Rock icon Axl Rose shared candid thoughts after performing at the monumental farewell concert for black sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. The event, dubbed “Back to the Beginning,” marked the final live appearance for both the legendary band and its iconic frontman. Held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, this historic show drew a massive lineup of music heavyweights, including Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Slayer, Tool, and Alice In Chains, all gathering to pay tribute.
Guns N’ Roses was among the featured acts, taking the stage later in the day. Their performance included a focused six-song set. Notably, four of these tracks were Black Sabbath covers, a significant nod to the headliners. They opened with the piano-driven “It’s Alright,” a song Axl Rose had occasionally used in the ’90s as an introduction to “November Rain.” They also played “Never Say Die,” “Junior’s Eyes,” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,” showcasing a deep appreciation for Sabbath’s catalog. The set concluded with two of GN’R’s own colossal hits, “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City,” ending their contribution on a high-energy note before Metallica followed.
A Surprising Revelation from Axl Rose
The day following the concert, Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose took to social media, sharing a heartfelt message about the experience. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Rose described the event as “Extremely overwhelming!” and “very emotional for everyone!” He praised the attendees, calling it a “really great crowd!”
Amidst his reflections on the magnitude and emotion of the night, Rose dropped a surprising personal detail. He revealed that, incredibly, he had never met Ozzy Osbourne or any members of Black Sabbath prior to this farewell show. “MET OZZY! Crazy we’d never met before!” he wrote, adding that meeting Ozzy was “really great!” and meeting Sabbath was equally so.
Observing Ozzy’s Performance and Resilience
Rose also commented on watching Ozzy Osbourne perform during his final set. He acknowledged the challenges Ozzy faced on stage. “Was hard as I imagine for anyone to watch his struggles while at the same time everyone was rooting for him,” Axl stated.
Despite any difficulties observed, Rose expressed profound respect for Osbourne’s effort. He highlighted how Ozzy faced challenges “head on and he did it!” It was clear the crowd and fellow musicians alike felt a deep sense of admiration for Osbourne’s perseverance on this significant night.
Tributes and Gratitude
Beyond the stage performances, the “Back to the Beginning” concert was packed with tributes. Video messages from numerous rock and metal titans like AC/DC, Metallica, Def Leppard, and many others were shown, underscoring Black Sabbath and Ozzy’s vast influence across generations. Supergroups featuring an array of stars also performed covers, celebrating the Sabbath and Ozzy catalogs alongside other classic rock anthems.
In his message, Axl Rose expressed gratitude for being part of the historic event. He thanked “Ozzy, Sharon, Black Sabbath and all the fans for having us!” Rose also mentioned connecting with Ozzy’s family and seeing many friends and figures from other bands and the music business who were present to honor the legends.
A Mutual Respect Between Icons
The mutual respect between Axl Rose and Ozzy Osbourne was also evident in Ozzy’s own comments following their meeting. According to reports, Ozzy Osbourne himself praised Axl Rose, describing the Guns N’ Roses singer as a “legend” and an “utter gentleman.”
The Black Sabbath farewell concert was more than just a series of performances; it was a tribute built on decades of influence and reverence. For Axl Rose, participating in such a momentous occasion, and finally meeting the foundational figures of heavy music, added a unique, personal layer to an already emotional night for the entire rock community. Guns N’ Roses’ decision to heavily feature Sabbath covers within their set at this event further underscored their respect and the widespread impact of the Birmingham pioneers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne “Back to the Beginning” concert?
The “Back to the Beginning” concert, held in Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025, served as the definitive final live performance for both the influential band Black Sabbath and its iconic lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne. It was designed as a large-scale tribute event, featuring numerous major rock and metal bands paying homage to the pioneers of heavy metal.
What songs did Guns N’ Roses play at the Black Sabbath farewell show?
Guns N’ Roses performed a six-song set. This included four Black Sabbath covers: “It’s Alright,” “Never Say Die!,” “Junior’s Eyes,” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” They concluded their performance with two of their own classic hits, “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City.”
Why was Axl Rose’s message after the concert particularly surprising?
A key surprising detail in Axl Rose’s message was his revelation that he had never met Ozzy Osbourne or any members of Black Sabbath before this specific farewell concert. Considering the immense status and longevity of both Guns N’ Roses and Black Sabbath within the rock and metal world, Rose found it “crazy” that their paths had not crossed previously, making their meeting at this historic event a notable moment.
Conclusion
The Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne farewell concert was a deeply emotional and historic night for the music world. As bands like Guns N’ Roses took the stage to honor the legends, moments of genuine connection unfolded offstage as well. Axl Rose’s surprising admission of never meeting Ozzy and Sabbath before this event highlights the unique dynamics of the music industry, even among its biggest stars. His heartfelt message, expressing overwhelming emotion, respect for Ozzy’s resilience, and gratitude, captured the spirit of a night dedicated to celebrating an unparalleled musical legacy and marked a memorable first encounter between icons.
