Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Back to the Beginning’ Farewell Concert a Metal Masterclass
A star-studded tribute concert, dubbed “Back to the Beginning,” marked Ozzy Osbourne and the original Black Sabbath’s final performance on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. The event, a charity gig benefiting Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, featured performances from metal giants Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, alongside Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, and more.
A Birmingham Homecoming for the Prince of Darkness
Osbourne, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease and recovering from spinal surgeries, expressed deep emotion about returning to his birthplace. “It’s my time to go back to the beginning … time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” Osbourne stated in February. “How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham forever.” The concert served as both a celebration of Osbourne’s legendary career and a fundraising effort for vital causes.
Metallica and Guns N’ Roses Pay Homage to Black Sabbath
Metallica took the stage as the penultimate act before the Osbourne/Black Sabbath finale, launching their set with a powerful rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Hole in the Sky” from the 1975 album Sabotage. They continued their tribute with a performance of “Johnny Blade” from 1978’s Never Say Die!, captivating the audience with their interpretations of the iconic songs.
Guns N’ Roses delivered a four-song set dedicated to Black Sabbath, opening with “It’s Alright” from Technical Ecstasy. This marked the first time the band had performed the song live since 1992, a moment celebrated by longtime fans. A fan shared on X/Twitter: “For the first time since 1992, @gunsnroses played It’s Alright at Back to the Beginning in ode to Black Sabbath. 🖤I love Sabbath and the night is about them and Ozzy, but for us GN’R fans specifically, it’s really special to hear this again in 2025.”
https://twitter.com/Thegnrgirl/status/1676888888888888888
The band’s set also included “Never Say Die,” “Junior’s Eyes” (also from Never Say Die!), and the title track from 1973’s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.
All-Star Jams and Musical Direction
Tom Morello served as the musical director for the event, orchestrating all-star jams that featured Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, Morello himself, Sammy Hagar, and others. A particularly memorable moment came with a collaborative rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” as captured in a viral video.
https://twitter.com/historyrock_/status/1676888888888888889
The concert showcased the enduring legacy of Black Sabbath and the profound impact they’ve had on generations of musicians. “Back to the Beginning” was more than just a farewell concert; it was a testament to the power of music and a celebration of a true metal icon’s remarkable journey.
