🦇 Backstage Moments with Ozzy Osbourne and Legendary Guests on a Historic Night at Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” Farewell Concert – July 5, 2025…..
BIRMINGHAM, UK — On July 5, 2025, heavy metal history was written at Villa Park as Black Sabbath brought their legendary story full circle with the emotionally charged Back to the Beginning farewell concert. But while fans were mesmerized by the powerful live performances onstage, some of the most unforgettable moments of the night unfolded away from the spotlight — backstage, where legends reunited, emotions ran high, and the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll was alive like never before.
Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself, returned to his hometown for what may very well be his final stage appearance. Despite ongoing health issues, Ozzy delivered a defiant, heartfelt solo set, seated on his gothic bat-adorned throne, channeling every ounce of energy into classics like “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” and the emotional “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” But when the lights dimmed and the curtain briefly fell before the Black Sabbath reunion, backstage became the sanctuary for a historic gathering.
Among those spotted behind the scenes were some of rock and metal’s biggest names: Jack Black, Tom Morello, Steven Tyler, Billy Corgan, Slash, Fred Durst, and even Hollywood star Jason Momoa. Conversations, laughter, and embraces filled the hallways as generations of musicians paid tribute to the band that invented heavy metal. Black Sabbath’s original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—shared a private moment together before stepping onto the stage for the final time. For longtime fans and insiders, this reunion was the heart of the night, marking the first time in over two decades that the four founding members shared a stage.
One particularly emotional moment came when Ozzy and Bill Ward exchanged words of reconciliation. Their relationship, long strained due to past contractual and personal disputes, seemed to be mended by the overwhelming gravity of the occasion. “We’re brothers again,” Ward reportedly said backstage, fighting back tears as he embraced Ozzy.
But it wasn’t just a night of goodbyes — there were new beginnings too. In a surprise twist, Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy’s daughter, became engaged backstage. Her partner, DJ Sid Wilson of Slipknot, proposed shortly after the final curtain call. The touching proposal was witnessed by close friends and family, adding a deeply personal note to the already emotional atmosphere.
Backstage footage captured moments of pure joy: Tom Morello tuning a guitar while joking with Tony Iommi, Jason Momoa sharing drinks with Geezer Butler, and Sharon Osbourne orchestrating logistics like a proud matriarch. The camaraderie was unmistakable — a reflection of how deeply Black Sabbath influenced generations of artists.
In one scene, Jack Black performed a humorous acoustic rendition of “Iron Man” for Ozzy, who burst into laughter, playfully calling him a “metal clown.” Meanwhile, Fred Durst was seen teaching Bill Ward a Slipknot rhythm on a practice pad, laughing like old friends discovering a new groove.
The night was not just a celebration of music, but also of purpose. All proceeds from the event were pledged to Parkinson’s disease research, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice. Many artists backstage wore bracelets and pins supporting the causes, and several took the opportunity to record promotional messages for charity broadcasts.
As the lights faded and the arena emptied, backstage remained lit with memories — a sacred space where legends honored each other, forgave each other, and passed the torch. Ozzy Osbourne, surrounded by his family and peers, reportedly said, “This is how I always wanted it to end — at home, with family, friends, and love.”
Back to the Beginning was more than a farewell concert — it was a celebration of legacy, unity, and the timeless power of music to connect souls, onstage and off. And backstage, where the noise softened and the real stories emerged, the heart of Black Sabbath beat louder than ever before.