By LoffMusic – July 6, 2025
“It wasn’t just the end of a band. It was the ceremonial closing of an era of rock.”
On July 5, 2025, Villa Park in Birmingham was more than a stadium: it was the altar where heavy metal said goodbye to one of its prophets. Ozzy Osbourne and the original members of Black Sabbath signed the final point of their legend with a farewell concert entitled “Back to the Beginning”, which is already inscribed in the great history of rock.
More than 50 years after founding the band that changed the course of heavy music, Ozzy and his band offered an unforgettable event, marathon (ten hours), full of emotion, stellar guests and, above all, respect. The spirit of Sabbath lived in every riff, every scream and every gesture from the stage.
🔥 A monumental day: ten hours of metal, emotion and legacy
With Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) as musical director, the event brought together a constellation of artists to pay homage to the legacy of Sabbath and Ozzy. From the opening chords of Mastodon to the final set with the original Sabbath lineup, the show was a celebration of metal in all its forms.
Jason Momoa served as master of ceremonies and number one fan, while Jack Black, Lzzy Hale, Ghost, Tool, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and a host of legends paraded the stage with tributes and legendary versions of “War Pigs,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Sweet Leaf” and more.
👑 The Prince of Darkness on his throne
Although visibly affected by his health problems, Ozzy gave his all, sitting on a throne decorated with bats and surrounded by faithful musicians like Zakk Wylde and Jake E. Lee. The emotional climax came with a version of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” that brought tears to the faces of thousands.
Their last appearance with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward -playing “Iron Man”, “N.I.B.” and “Paranoid”- was as powerful as it was symbolic: Sabbath was closing their history at home, in front of their people, in style.
💥 Moments that will remain in your memory
- Jack Black and the sons of Tom Morello and Scott Ian dazzled with a video for “Mr. Crowley.”
- Lzzy Hale, the only woman on the bill, took on “Perry Mason” and “Ultimate Sin.”
- Yungblud surprised with an emotional version of “Changes”.
- Ronnie Wood, Steven Tyler, Billy Corgan, Travis Barker, among many others, were part of an epic superjam.
- The trio of drummers Travis Barker, Danny Carey and Chad Smith put on a percussion master class on “Symptom of the Universe”.
🎥 Documentary on the way and final message
The concert was recorded in its entirety and will be made into a documentary directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, with production by Steven Knight(Peaky Blinders). In addition, artists such as Dolly Parton, Elton John and Billy Idol sent video tribute messages.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice, reinforcing the generous nature of this send-off.
🖤 An eternal legacy
Ozzy Osbourne, the man who was demonized by the press, idolized by millions and turned into a cultural icon, said goodbye with dignity, emotion and, above all, music. “Back to the Beginning” was not a sad farewell, but a celebration of the power of rock to transform lives.
“It doesn’t matter if you were ever a metalhead. If you ever felt that music could save you, Ozzy was part of that miracle.”
