Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance at Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning show…..
On Saturday, July 5, 2025, heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, seated on a dramatic black throne, delivered what is widely recognized as his final live performance. The event, titled “Back to the Beginning”, brought Ozzy together with the original Black Sabbath lineup—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—marking their first joint appearance in 20 years . Due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, Osbourne remained seated throughout his set but captivated the 40,000-strong crowd with his enduring voice and magnetic stage presence .
Solo Set: A Nostalgic Return
Ozzy opened the concert with a five-song solo set backed by his longtime band, featuring guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Mike Inez, keyboardist Adam Wakeman, and drummer Tommy Clufetos . The setlist included:
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” proved especially emotional, with momentos of Ozzy visibly moved on stage . As he closed with “Crazy Train,” he shared heartfelt words: “You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” leaving many in tears .
Reunion Finale: Black Sabbath Returns
Following his solo performance, Ozzy reunited with Iommi, Butler, and Ward for a powerful four-song finale. In a short but poignant set, they performed Sabbath classics—“War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid” . Fans were showered with fireworks, confetti, and music history in motion. As the show closed, Ozzy looked out at the sea of fans and told them, “I fucking love you” amid thunderous applause and emotional farewell .
Star-Studded Spectacle & Streaming Reach
Dubbed “heavy metal’s Live Aid” by critics, the event featured nearly a dozen high-profile supporting acts, such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Tool, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Gojira, among others . These artists performed their own material, Sabbath covers, and contributed to a larger-than-life, festival-like atmosphere.
Hollywood star Jason Momoa served as charismatic host and compère, even drawing headlines with his impromptu mosh pit cameo during Pantera’s set .
The concert was streamed live with a two-hour delay, attracting an estimated 5.8 million global viewers alongside the 40,000 in-person audience . The livestream replay remained available through July 7 for fans worldwide .
Charity, Community & Local Impact
All proceeds from the event were donated equally to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice . The lineup’s star power and dedicated fan base helped raise significant funds for these causes.
The concert also was part of a larger celebration in Birmingham: the original band members were given the Freedom of the City, a museum exhibition dedicated to Ozzy was unveiled, and public art installations celebrated the band’s legacy. The weekend drew an estimated 300,000 visitors and contributed approximately £20 million to the local economy .
Behind the Scenes & Personal Notes
The event’s integrity was upheld by Sharon Osbourne, who reportedly disinvited a band that attempted to capitalize on the charitable nature of the concert .
Tony Iommi admitted he was torn over staging another farewell after the band’s 2017 “The End” tour, but ultimately agreed because of the charitable focus and reunification with Bill Ward . Geezer Butler, similarly, juggled hopes and anxieties but acknowledged this was a meaningful, fitting conclusion .
Sharon Osbourne confirmed this would be Ozzy’s “full stop” on live performing—closing the chapter but not ruling out future creative projects offstage .
Critical Reception & Fan Reactions
Critics universally praised the event. The Guardian described it as “epic and emotional,” while other outlets likened it to a “metal Live Aid,” commending the star-studded lineup and emotional resonance .
On Reddit, fans echoed the sentiment
Ozzy was amazing! I had tears in my eyes when he started singing Mama I’m coming home…
I was there and nah, Tony might play more but Ozzy is done. He couldn’t even stand up.
These candid reflections highlighted both admiration and acceptance of Ozzy’s health limitations.
The End of an Era… and the Start of Something New?
While this may indeed mark Ozzy Osbourne’s final bow on stage, Black Sabbath’s remaining members haven’t dismissed the possibility of new studio recordings. Still, this concert will forever stand as their last live collective performance. As Geezer Butler quipped, anyone familiar with Sabbath knows that “never say never” until they’re “dead.”
In Summary
“Back to the Beginning” wasn’t just a concert. It was:
A poignant closure to Ozzy Osbourne’s legendary career, held by the icon himself in his birthplace.
A reunion of Black Sabbath’s classic lineup, backed by a stellar roster of metal icons.
A charitable event that raised funds and awareness for serious causes.
A communal celebration of Birmingham’s musical heritage, turning the city into a pilgrimage site.
A beautifully executed farewell, simultaneously emotional, triumphant, and historic.
This monumental day—July 5, 2025—cemented Ozzy Osbourne’s and Black Sabbath’s legacy, offering one final ride for the Prince of Darkne
ss and his fans, with a reverberation that will echo well beyond the Villa Park stage.