Heavy metal history reached a monumental peak in Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025. The city widely recognized as the birthplace of the genre hosted “Back to the Beginning,” an epic event billed as the final stage appearance for pioneers black Sabbath featuring the original lineup, and specifically Ozzy Osbourne’s last live performance ever. Tens of thousands of devoted fans from around the globe converged on Villa Park stadium to pay homage, throwing devil horns high for the iconic Prince of Darkness and the band he helped create. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a pilgrimage, a celebration, and an emotional goodbye years in the making.
A Final Bow Driven by Gratitude and Health
The motivation behind “Back to the Beginning” stemmed largely from Ozzy Osbourne himself. His planned 2018 farewell tour was cut short due to significant health challenges, including a fall and a public Parkinson’s diagnosis. Unable to complete the tour and properly thank his global fanbase, Ozzy expressed regret. His wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, conceived the Birmingham event as a way for Ozzy to deliver that heartfelt goodbye and celebrate his career alongside Black Sabbath’s enduring legacy. Ozzy confirmed this would be his absolute final live show, citing the physical toll of recent years and a desire to spend time with family.
Bringing the Original Four Back Together
A pivotal element that elevated this concert’s significance was the reunion of Black Sabbath’s original four members: vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. This marked the first time this legendary quartet shared a stage since the Ozzfest tour in 2005. Ward’s absence from the band’s later activities, including their 2013 album “13” and the previous “The End” tour in 2017, had left a void for many fans. Geezer Butler and musical director Tom Morello emphasized that bringing the original lineup together was crucial, stating it “had to be the original four of us or nothing.”
More Than Just a Concert: A Heavy Metal Extravaganza
Curated by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, “Back to the Beginning” was designed to be “the greatest day in the history of heavy metal.” Modeled partly after the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, this 10-hour festival was a sprawling celebration. It drew an estimated 40,000 to 42,000 attendees live and captivated millions more through a global livestream, peaking at 5.8 million viewers. The event wasn’t just about the headliners; it featured a colossal lineup of hard rock and metal’s biggest names, all gathered to pay tribute.
Birmingham Celebrates Its Metal Roots
The choice of Villa Park in Birmingham was deeply symbolic. This stadium sits near where the band members grew up. The city embraced the event, declaring a “Summer of Sabbath.” They honored the band members with the Freedom of the City, renamed a bridge, dedicated a bench, and even presented a Black Sabbath ballet. While acknowledging the band spent considerable time touring internationally, the event powerfully underscored Birmingham’s identity as the “home of metal” and its pride in its most famous musical sons.
An All-Star Cast Pays Homage
The supporting lineup reads like a who’s who of heavy music. Bands like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons performed short, impactful sets. A central theme was the performance of Black Sabbath or Ozzy Osbourne covers as direct tributes. The quick changeovers kept the energy high throughout the day. Standout covers included Gojira’s “Under The Sun” and Lamb of God’s crowd-igniting “Children Of The Grave.” Supergroups featuring musicians like Steven Tyler and Sammy Hagar also performed, adding to the unique spectacle. Jason Momoa hosted the day’s events. The sense of reverence from participating artists was palpable; many cited Black Sabbath as the foundational influence for their own careers and the entire genre.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Poignant Performance
Ozzy Osbourne delivered a five-song solo set before the final Black Sabbath appearance. Accompanied by his longtime solo band, including guitarist Zakk Wylde, Ozzy performed from a specially designed ‘winged throne.’ This was necessary due to his ongoing physical challenges and recovery from multiple surgeries. Despite vocal struggles noted by some, the emotional resonance was undeniable. Songs like “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Suicide Solution,” “Mama I’m Coming Home,” and “Crazy Train” were met with massive crowd support, with the entire stadium often singing along, particularly during the moving “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Ozzy addressed the crowd, expressing profound gratitude after being “laid up for six years.” His determination to perform one last time underscored his dedication to the fans who have supported him for decades.
Black Sabbath’s Short, Powerful Finale
The night culminated with the moment many had waited for: the original Black Sabbath lineup on stage together. Ozzy, Iommi, Butler, and Ward performed a concise, four-song set. Focusing on material from their first two albums, they delivered “War Pigs,” Geezer Butler’s bass showcase “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and concluded the entire festival with the iconic “Paranoid.” Tony Iommi’s signature riffs remained powerful, Bill Ward’s drumming provided foundational swing, and Geezer Butler’s bass work was precise, complemented by a bass in Villa’s colors. Though brief, the band’s performance demonstrated their unique, heavy force and felt like a historic passing of the torch to their legions of fans and the bands they inspired.
The End of an Era, The Immortal Legacy
The concert was more than just a show; it was a definitive closing chapter for the band that invented heavy metal. Artists across the lineup repeatedly acknowledged Black Sabbath’s unparalleled influence. Without their groundbreaking sound originating in Birmingham in 1968, the landscape of rock and metal would be vastly different. The event served as a global validation of their status, not just as the greatest metal band but as one of music’s most important acts across genres. Proceeds from the event also contributed significantly, supporting charities like Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, adding a layer of philanthropic purpose to the farewell. As fireworks lit up the sky over Villa Park following the final notes of “Paranoid,” the message was clear: the live chapter was closing, but the indelible legacy of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne is immortal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly was the “Back to the Beginning” concert event?
“Back to the Beginning” was a massive one-day music festival held on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. It was specifically organized as the final live performance for both Ozzy Osbourne and the original lineup of Black Sabbath (Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward). The event featured numerous other major rock and metal bands paying tribute to Black Sabbath, aiming to be a significant historical moment for the genre. It drew over 40,000 attendees and millions of livestream viewers.
Where were proceeds from the Black Sabbath final concert donated?
The event served a charitable purpose. Proceeds generated from the “Back to the Beginning” concert, including ticket sales, the global livestream, and associated fundraising activities like an online auction, were designated to benefit three specific charities. These included Cure Parkinson’s (reflecting Ozzy’s diagnosis), the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, all based in the Birmingham area, further cementing the local connection.
Was this definitively the last time the original Black Sabbath members played together?
Yes, the “Back to the Beginning” concert was billed and presented as the definitive final stage appearance for Black Sabbath featuring all four original members: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. It was their first performance together since 2005. Given Ozzy Osbourne’s stated health issues and desire to retire from touring, this event at Villa Park in their hometown was intended to be a final, comprehensive farewell performance for the pioneering band.
