Titled Back to the Beginning, this monumental event marked not only Osbourne’s farewell but also the first reunion in 20 years of Black Sabbath’s original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. The sold-out concert, described by musical director Tom Morello as “the greatest heavy metal show ever,” was a fitting send-off for a legend whose career has shaped the genre for over five decades.
A Homecoming for the Ages
Birmingham, the birthplace of heavy metal, was the only place Ozzy could envision for his final bow. “It’s my time to go ‘Back to the Beginning’… time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” Osbourne said in a statement earlier this year. Villa Park, home of Aston Villa FC and just a stone’s throw from Ozzy’s childhood home in Aston, provided a deeply personal backdrop. The event was more than a concert—it was a full-circle moment, a thank-you to the fans, and a celebration of Black Sabbath’s legacy.
his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease and mobility challenges following a spinal injury, Osbourne delivered a performance that defied expectations. Seated on a throne adorned with skulls and a giant bat—a nod to his larger-than-life persona—he commanded the stage with his unmistakable Brummie lilt and infectious energy. Fans roared as he led them through classics like “Mr. Crowley” and “I Don’t Know,” proving his voice remains as powerful as ever.
A Star-Studded Tribute to Heavy Metal
The Back to the Beginning concert was a historic gathering of metal’s biggest names, all paying tribute to Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s unparalleled influence. The lineup read like a dream festival: Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons. A supergroup featuring Duff McKagan and Slash (Guns N’ Roses), Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), and others also took the stage, delivering electrifying performances. Each act performed three to four songs, including at least one Black Sabbath cover, with Metallica’s blistering rendition of “Johnny Blade” and Pantera’s Phil Anselmo leading a crowd chant of “Sabbath! Sabbath!” standing out as highlights.
Surprise guests added to the night’s magic. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones joined the supergroup, while pre-recorded tributes from Dolly Parton and Jack Black (with young musicians from School of Rock) played between sets, showcasing Ozzy’s wide-reaching influence. However, controversy arose when a pre-recorded message from Marilyn Manson was shown, drawing criticism due to his recent allegations.
A Global Livestream for Fans Worldwide
With Villa Park’s capacity limited, fans worldwide were able to witness this historic moment through a global pay-per-view livestream, produced by Mercury Studios and Kiswe. The broadcast, which began at 3:00 p.m. BST, offered 48-hour rewatch access, ensuring no one missed out on the metal event of a lifetime. Tickets were available for $29.99, a small price for a front-row seat to history. The overwhelming demand for the livestream came after fans flooded social media, pleading for a way to experience the sold-out show.
Giving Back to the Community
True to Osbourne’s roots, Back to the Beginning was as much about giving back as it was about saying goodbye. All proceeds from the concert and an accompanying online auction were split equally among three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, supported by Aston Villa. Auction items included signed Gibson guitars, a Guns N’ Roses pinball machine, and exclusive travel packages, reflecting the event’s commitment to making a difference.
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