Birmingham, England, the birthplace of heavy metal, played host to a momentous occasion on July 5, 2025: “Back to the Beginning.” This large-scale event at Villa Park served as the official, definitive farewell concert for the legendary black Sabbath, featuring iconic frontman Ozzy osbourne. Far more than just a single band’s last gig, the day unfolded as a sprawling tribute to the pioneers of the genre, bringing together a “stacked lineup” of major heavy metal and hard rock acts alongside special guests and unique collaborations.
The concert aimed to celebrate the enduring legacy of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, drawing a massive global audience with its livestream reportedly exceeding half a million viewers. Touted by musical director Tom Morello as potentially “the greatest heavy metal show ever,” the event promised an unforgettable experience for fans who had followed the band’s groundbreaking career for decades. Amidst the anticipation, however, the physical toll on the aging icons was acknowledged, with guitarist Tony Iommi noting rehearsals were “tough” and standing for two hours was tiring for the band members whose combined age totals 305. Ozzy Osbourne himself framed it as likely his final live performance, declaring, “what a way to go out.” This sentiment was later underscored by Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager, who emphatically stated there would be “no way on God’s Earth” for more shows, confirming, “We’re done.”
A Gathering of Metal Titans
A core concept driving the “Back to the Beginning” event was the requirement for almost every participating band or artist to perform a cover version of a Black Sabbath or Ozzy Osbourne song. This mandate turned the festival into a comprehensive, day-long tribute showcasing the profound impact the Birmingham quartet has had across generations and subgenres of heavy music. The lineup featured an extensive roster of talent, including prominent names like Mastodon, Rival Sons, Anthrax, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, Gojira, Pantera, and Tool, among many others. Video messages from artists like Def Leppard, Billy Idol, Dolly Parton, and Cyndi Lauper also added to the tribute, sharing best wishes and memories.
The initial acts set the stage for the day’s intensity. Mastodon kicked off the proceedings with their signature tracks before delivering a powerful rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Supernaut.” Notably, their performance included a unique three-drummer collaboration featuring Tool’s Danny Carey, Slipknot’s Eloy Casagrande, and Gojira’s Mario Duplantier joining Mastodon’s Brann Dailor. Rival Sons, veterans of opening for Black Sabbath’s previous final tour, brought their blues-infused rock, covering “Electric Funeral” and humorously acknowledging their distinct style amidst the heavier bands. Anthrax, sporting matching “Sabbath Bloody Anthrax” shirts, paid their respects with a rendition of “Into The Void,” with Scott Ian stating their presence was purely “to say thank you.” Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale, the only woman on the main bill, performed original songs and tackled Ozzy Osbourne’s “Perry Mason,” dedicating a moment to recognize the female metal fans present. Lamb of God ignited a circle pit with their high-energy set, covering “Children of the Grave” with vocalist Randy Blythe offering explicit thanks to the originators and tossing his shoes into the crowd by the set’s end.
Gojira’s Standout Set
Among the supporting performances, French metal band Gojira’s set received particular praise. Their intense delivery was highlighted from the moment they opened with “Stranded,” described with gripping “brittle, ratatat volleys of guitar fire.” Frontman Joe Duplantier’s vocals were singled out as “a cut above so many voices in metal,” characterized as “ragged and desperate, like a man hauling himself soaking wet up a beach.” Their performance also included the song “Silvera” and a notable rendition of “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” featuring opera singer Marina Viotti, a collaboration previously showcased at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony and recognized with a 2025 Grammy. Gojira’s Black Sabbath cover was a “spinetingling” take on “Under the Sun,” solidifying their set as one of the afternoon’s best, though their brief four-song list, like many others, contributed to the event’s fragmented pacing.
Alice in Chains and Event Critiques
Alice in Chains also featured prominently, opening their set with “Man in a Box.” While praised for their performance, frontman William DuVall’s stage presence was noted for honouring an “Ozzy-ish singing” style, though co-vocalist Jerry Cantrell reportedly experienced microphone issues. Despite the technical hitch and a temporary sound loss on the livestream during their set, their cover of Black Sabbath’s “Fairies Wear Boots” was well-received. The band’s drummer, Sean Kinney, also marked his return to the stage during this performance after a health issue.
Beyond individual performances, some critical observations emerged regarding the overall structure and flow of the “Back to the Beginning” event. The numerous short sets, while preventing boredom, were seen as hindering the building of momentum across the day. This structure led to the humorous analogy of being served “a million canapés instead of a meal,” highlighting a perceived fragmentation despite the quality of individual acts. Furthermore, the prevalence of American voices among the performers felt jarring to some in Birmingham, the very city that birthed heavy metal, leading to a desire for more local representation on such a significant occasion.
Star-Studded Supergroups and Unique Moments
Adding another layer of excitement to the tribute were multi-artist “supergroup” formations that took the stage throughout the day. These rotating collectives featured an astonishing array of talent from various bands. One such assembly included figures like Jake E. Lee (former Ozzy guitarist), Scott Ian, Nuno Bettencourt, David Ellefson, Frank Bello, and vocalists including Lzzy Hale, David Draiman, Whitfield Crane, and YUNGBLUD. This group tackled a mix of Ozzy solo tracks and Sabbath classics, performing songs like “The Ultimate Sin,” “Shot in the Dark,” “Sweet Leaf,” “Believer,” and “Changes,” with vocal duties shifting among the lineup.
A second, equally impressive supergroup showcased another massive collection of musicians. This lineup featured legendary names such as Billy Corgan, Sammy Hagar, Steven Tyler, Tom Morello, Nuno Bettencourt, Rudy Sarzo, Travis Barker, Chad Smith, Danny Carey, K.K. Downing, Adam Jones, Ronnie Wood, and Andrew Watt, among others. Their set traversed iconic tracks including “Symptom of the Universe,” Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law,” “Snowblind,” Ozzy’s “Flying High Again” and “Bark at the Moon,” Aerosmith’s “Train Kept A Rollin’,” and a medley of “Walk This Way” and Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” Special moments included Nuno Bettencourt’s standout guitar work and a drum-off segment during “Symptom of the Universe” featuring Chad Smith, Travis Barker, and Danny Carey, introduced by actor Jason Momoa.
Beyond the live sets, the event incorporated several unique elements. A pre-taped video showed Jack Black performing Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mr. Crowley” backed by a band of talented young musicians, including the sons of Tom Morello and Scott Ian, whose skills impressed many. The tribute also included unexpected segments like AI-generated videos integrating Ozzy into famous film scenes and a tribute dedicated to footballer Diogo Jota. A message from Brian Johnson and Angus Young of AC/DC was also shared, thanking Ozzy for his monumental contribution to rock and roll.
Controversy Amidst Celebration: The Marilyn Manson Tribute
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, one segment sparked significant controversy among fans and attendees. A pre-recorded video message from Marilyn Manson was included in the event, where he referred to Ozzy Osbourne as his “friend” and offered congratulations. This appearance came shortly after Manson’s planned UK performance was canceled following numerous allegations of sexual assault against him. While Manson has consistently denied the allegations and a case against him was dropped earlier in the year after a year-long investigation, his inclusion in the tribute drew strong negative reactions from many Black Sabbath fans watching or attending the event, highlighting the divisive nature of his presence in the metal community.
Ultimately, the “Back to the Beginning” concert at Villa Park delivered a comprehensive and star-studded tribute to Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. While some structural criticisms arose regarding the pacing and representation, the event successfully showcased the immense influence of the metal pioneers through a diverse range of performances, unique collaborations, and heartfelt messages. The definitive statement from Sharon Osbourne confirmed that this Birmingham concert marked the undisputed final performance under the Black Sabbath name involving Ozzy, closing a monumental chapter in music history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the “Back to the Beginning” event?
The “Back to the Beginning” event, held on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, was a large-scale farewell concert and tribute to the iconic band Black Sabbath and their frontman Ozzy Osbourne. Billed as their final performance, the day featured numerous prominent heavy metal and hard rock bands playing sets that included Black Sabbath or Ozzy Osbourne cover songs, alongside special guests, supergroup collaborations, and video tributes celebrating the band’s legacy in their hometown.
Which bands and artists performed at the Black Sabbath farewell show?
The event featured a diverse lineup including Mastodon, Rival Sons, Anthrax, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, Gojira, Pantera, and Tool. The day also included performances by two major “supergroups” featuring members from various bands like Faith No More, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Rage Against the Machine, Extreme, Anthrax, Tool, Slipknot, Sepultura, Ugly Kid Joe, Sleep Token, Smashing Pumpkins, Aerosmith, Judas Priest, Montrose, and more. Video messages were also sent from artists such as Def Leppard, Marilyn Manson, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, and Dolly Parton.
Is the “Back to the Beginning” concert truly the final Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne show?
Yes, according to definitive statements made at the event. While Ozzy Osbourne himself hinted it might be his final live performance, his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, stated unequivocally that there would be “no way on God’s Earth” for more shows, confirming, “We’re done.” This concert at Villa Park, Birmingham, is presented as the absolute final performance under the Black Sabbath name involving Ozzy Osbourne, marking the official end of their touring career.
Conclusion
The “Back to the Beginning” event was more than just a concert; it was a historic moment marking the conclusion of Black Sabbath’s touring journey with Ozzy Osbourne. Held in their spiritual home of Birmingham, the day was a powerful testament to their unparalleled impact on heavy metal, demonstrated through a lineup that paid heartfelt homage via numerous covers and collaborations. Despite some critiques regarding pacing and structure, the sheer scale of talent and the overwhelming sense of occasion solidified this event as a fitting, albeit emotional, goodbye for one of music’s most influential bands. The finality confirmed by Sharon Osbourne leaves no doubt that the chapter has closed on Black Sabbath’s live performances, leaving behind a monumental legacy that will continue to inspire for generations.
