On July 5, 2025, a monumental event unfolded in the heart of Birmingham, England, as Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne reunited for their first full performance together in two decades. Dubbed the "greatest heavy metal show ever," the farewell concert at Villa Park marked not only the end of an era for the legendary band but also the final live performance of the 76-year-old "Prince of Darkness." Thousands of metal fans packed the stadium, while an estimated two million more tuned in worldwide to witness this historic occasion.
Black Sabbath, formed in 1968 by four working-class friends from Birmingham—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—redefined rock music by pioneering the heavy metal genre. With over 75 million records sold globally, their influence on music is immeasurable. Yet, the band’s journey was far from smooth. Ozzy’s struggles with drug and alcohol abuse led to his firing in 1979, fracturing the original lineup. Despite partial reunions over the years, the original four had not shared the stage since 2005, making this reunion all the more poignant.
The concert, titled "Back to the Beginning" and curated by Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, was a marathon of metal lasting over ten hours. It featured performances by heavyweights like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, and members of Guns N’ Roses and Rage Against the Machine. The event was hosted by Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, who expressed his deep admiration for Ozzy's music, saying, "Every character that I've ever played has been inspired by this music - it's in everything that I am." The venue, Villa Park, holds special significance as it is just a stone’s throw from Osbourne’s childhood home in Aston, where the band’s journey began.
Ozzy Osbourne’s final solo set was an emotional highlight. Despite his health challenges—including seven surgeries over five years, a fourth spinal operation in 2023, and a battle with Parkinson’s disease since 2003—he delivered a powerful performance. Arriving on stage in a black quilted throne adorned with a massive bat, Ozzy opened with classics like "I Don’t Know" and "Blizzard of Ozz," closing his set with "Crazy Train" amid a shower of confetti. He addressed the crowd with heartfelt gratitude: "You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." His voice, still strong despite the years, resonated with the packed stadium and millions watching remotely.
The concert paid tribute to many, including a touching moment for Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his brother Andre, who tragically died in a car crash just a day before the show. Yungblud and other musicians dedicated a rendition of Black Sabbath’s 1972 hit "Changes" to the brothers, with guitarist Nuno Bettencourt donning Diogo’s T-shirt during the performance.
Following Ozzy’s solo performance, Black Sabbath reunited for their first full set since 2005. The original lineup kicked off with "War Pigs," followed by "N.I.B," "Iron Man," and closed with their iconic anthem "Paranoid." Bassist Geezer Butler played an Aston Villa-themed bass guitar for the final two songs, while drummer Bill Ward performed shirtless, adding to the raw energy of the performance. Ozzy closed the show with the words, "It's the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts," as fireworks lit up the night sky.
The event was not only a celebration of Black Sabbath’s legacy but also a testament to their enduring influence. Corey Taylor of Slipknot, in the BBC Radio WM documentary "Forging Metal," released just a day before the concert, aptly summarized their impact: "Sabbath gave us the blueprint, Sabbath gave us the recipe. They gave us the cookbook, man." The documentary itself, hosted by Bev Bevan, delved into the origins of heavy metal and Black Sabbath’s role in shaping the genre, featuring interviews and music from Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Slipknot.
The concert’s significance was further underscored by the presence of numerous celebrities and fellow musicians. Steven Tyler and Ronnie Wood traveled to Birmingham to soak in the atmosphere, while surprise video tributes from Elton John, Dolly Parton, and Jack Black (who performed "Mr Crowley" with young musicians) added star-studded moments. However, the inclusion of Marilyn Manson in a tribute video sparked controversy due to his recent legal troubles, dividing fans and sparking debate on social media.
Fans from across the globe converged on Villa Park, with some arriving hours before the show to soak up the atmosphere. Among them were diehard enthusiasts like Mark Curtis, a forklift truck driver from Birmingham, who said, "Bless Ozzy, he gave it his best shot. Everyone loves him in this city and around the world." Others, like dog groomer Shelly Langston, expressed deep emotion at witnessing the end of an era: "I can't believe this is the end. They looked so good up there, we all want more from them. I feel really emotional. I just love that they're all from Aston and done something so incredible with their lives – absolute living legends." Many fans likened Black Sabbath to the "Beatles of Birmingham," recognizing their monumental contributions to music.
Behind the scenes, Ozzy’s wife and longtime manager Sharon Osbourne was a pillar of support. Speaking to Rolling Stone ahead of the gig, she described the atmosphere as "magic" and was visibly moved by the occasion. Ozzy himself had prepared rigorously for the show, undergoing strict training and frequent medical checks, including blood pressure monitoring 15 times a day. Despite the physical challenges, he was determined to deliver a memorable final performance, stating, "I couldn't have done my final show anywhere else. I had to go back to the beginning." He also revealed that the decision to livestream the concert was made due to overwhelming demand, allowing fans worldwide to share in the experience.
The concert was a fitting farewell to a band and frontman who have shaped the sound and spirit of heavy metal for over five decades. From their humble beginnings playing under the name "Earth" to selling millions of records and influencing countless artists, Black Sabbath’s legacy is etched in music history. As the final notes of "Paranoid" echoed through Villa Park and the fireworks faded, fans were left with a profound sense of gratitude and nostalgia for a truly legendary chapter in rock music.
