On July 5, 2025, Birmingham’s Villa Park became the epicenter of rock history as Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath took the stage for their final performance together in an event aptly named "Back to the Beginning." This monumental concert not only celebrated the legacy of one of heavy metal’s most iconic bands but also set a new world record as the highest-grossing charity concert ever held, raising over $190 million for worthy causes.
The event was more than just a farewell show; it was a massive gathering of rock and metal legends. Fans were treated to performances by a star-studded lineup including Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and 2025 Grammy winners Gojira. Each band delivered abbreviated sets, often weaving in covers of Ozzy and Black Sabbath classics to honor the headliners. The atmosphere was electric, with approximately 40,000 fans packed into Villa Park and an astounding 5.8 million viewers tuning in worldwide via live stream.
Ozzy Osbourne, despite battling Parkinson's disease since 2019, delivered a heartfelt performance, playing five solo songs before joining his Black Sabbath bandmates for four more, marking the absolute last time the original lineup performed live together. The concert’s significance was underscored by Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager, who remarked, "Birmingham is a city which means so much to Ozzy. When it comes to heavy metal music, Black Sabbath forming and his love of Aston Villa — it all started here." This hometown connection added a poignant layer to the event, cementing it as a true homecoming for the legendary frontman.
Behind the scenes, the concert was a labor of love orchestrated by Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine and the show’s musical director. Morello revealed on Instagram, "It was over a year of hard work but heavy metal was the music that made me love music and it was a labor of love. We raised a ton of money for a great cause and so many great musicians and band and fans all over the world paid tribute to the ALL TIME greats." His dedication helped pull together an event that not only celebrated music but also made an extraordinary impact through charity.
All proceeds from the concert are being donated equally to three charities: Birmingham Children's Hospital, Acorn Children's Hospice, and Cure Parkinson’s—a cause deeply personal to Ozzy Osbourne. The concert’s fundraising success was bolstered by additional efforts such as raffles for concert tickets, auctions of signed art and band photos, and donations from fans watching the global stream. Adding to the fundraising momentum, British artist Yungblud announced on July 16, 2025, that he would release his cover of "Changes" on July 18, with all proceeds directed to the same charities.
The scale of the fundraising achievement is staggering. Billboard confirms that the $190 million total eclipses previous charity concert records, including FireAid (2025) which raised over $100 million, the legendary Live Aid (1985) which brought in roughly $100 million, Farm Aid (since 1985) which has raised over $80 million, and Hope for Haiti (2010) which collected $57 million. Notably, Metal Sucks reported that the live stream alone generated upwards of $150 million, with tickets priced at $30 each, highlighting the immense global interest and support.
While the concert was a celebration of music and legacy, it also showcased the generosity and solidarity of the rock and metal community. All participating artists, including Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera, performed for free, underscoring the event's charitable mission. The festival has been called "the greatest heavy metal show ever," and with good reason—eight hours of performances, supergroups, and tributes culminated in a historic moment for music fans worldwide.
As Ozzy Osbourne prepares to reflect on his storied career and health battles in his upcoming memoir, "Last Rites," the "Back to the Beginning" concert stands as a powerful final chapter in his live performance legacy. It not only honors the profound impact of Black Sabbath on heavy metal but also demonstrates the enduring power of music to unite communities and drive meaningful change.
From the packed stadium in Birmingham to millions watching across the globe, the farewell concert was a testament to the enduring spirit of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. It was a night of celebration, reflection, and generosity—a fitting send-off for legends who helped define a genre and inspired countless fans and musicians alike.
