
đ¸ A Once-in-a-Lifetime Farewell
On July 5, 2025, Black Sabbath reunited in their original lineupâOzzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Wardâat Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham. This wasnât just any showâit was billed as both the bandâs and Ozzyâs final live performance, concluding their storied careers together . Ozzy, now 76 and battling Parkinsonâs disease to the extent he can no longer walk, performed seated atop a throne, delivering powerful renditions of both his band and solo classics .
The show featured a staggering all-star supporting castâMetallica, Guns Nâ Roses, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Mastodon, Lamb of God, Gojira, Halestorm, and many moreâcurated by music director Tom Morello . With over 45,000 fans at the stadium and nearly six million global livestream viewers, this was more than a concertâit was a metal-music milestone .
đŹ Coming Soon: The Film and Live Album
The upcoming 100-minute concert film, titled Back To The Beginning: Ozzyâs Final Bow, is slated for theatrical release in early 2026, produced by Mercury Studios and globally distributed . Expect an electrifying blend of the most memorable on-stage performancesââWar Pigs,â âIron Man,â âChildren of the Grave,â and âParanoidââenhanced by behind-the-scenes footage and candid interviews .
The ultra-complete experience will include post-theater releases on DVD and Bluâray later in 2026, alongside an audio livestream albumâideal for fans who want to relive the landmark event from any device .
đ° A Record-Setting Philanthropic Send-Off
From the outset, Back to the Beginning was conceived as more than a showâit was a charity megathon. Organized by Ozzy, Tom Morello, and the band, the concert raised an astonishing ÂŁ140 million (about $190 million) benefiting Cure Parkinsonâs, Birmingham Childrenâs Hospital, and Acorns Childrenâs Hospice . That makes it the highestâgrossing charity concert ever, eclipsing iconic events like Live Aid .
Tom Morello praised Ozzyâs and all the artistsâ dedication to creating a historic heavyâmetal spectacleâwith every note raising funds for meaningful causes . Yungbludâs live version of âChangesâ from the show also dropped as a charity single, with proceeds donated to the same foundations .
đ¤ Featured Performances & Moments
- Ozzyâs solo set included his legendary hitsââI Donât Know,â âMr. Crowley,â âSuicide Solution,â âCrazy Train,â and âMama, Iâm Coming Homeââperformed seated but full of spirit .
- Black Sabbathâs finale, featuring classic quartet performances of âWar Pigs,â âIron Man,â âN.I.B.â and âParanoid,â ended the show on a soaring high note of nostalgia and emotion .
- Guest appearances from Jason Momoa (host), Metallica, Aerosmithâs Steven Tyler, Ronnie Wood, Blinkâ182âs Travis Barker, RHCPâs Chad Smith, Slayer, Pantera, and Yungblud added layers of energy, reverence, and crossâgenerational camaraderie .
đ Historic and Cultural Impact
The concert marked several milestones:
- First original Black Sabbath reunion in 20 years .
- A culminating performance after Ozzyâs eight-year hiatus from solo touring .
- Transforming a final gig into the biggest charitable concert in history, leveraging Ozzyâs health journey to uplift Parkinsonâs causes .
- A citywide tribute in Birmingham, including largescale murals and artworks celebrating Sabbathâs legacy and Ozzyâs roots .
Tony Iommi shared how emotions were at a peak during pre-show rehearsals, unsure how much Ozzy could contributeâbut he performed beyond expectations, showing grit and commitment to the end .
đď¸ What to Expect in 2026
- Theatrical release, early 2026: likely a limited-run in select cinemas, with global distribution dates forthcoming .
- Physical media release (DVD/Blu-ray and audio album) later in 2026âideal for collectors and fans who want the full setlist and additional features .
- Charity impact continuation: Ticket and single sales from Yungblud and other releases will further support the same three charities.
𤊠Why This Matters
For fans of Ozzy, Sabbath, and metal at large, this is more than a concert documentaryâitâs the closing chapter of an era. It captures both triumph and vulnerabilityâOzzyâs stoic performance amid health challenges and the solidarity of the metal community. Itâs poised to be one of the most compelling concert films ever released.
â What You Can Do Now
- Mark your calendar: Watch for official announcements in late 2025 regarding theatrical release dates and ticket availability.
- Follow official channels: Keep tabs on Ozzy Osbourneâs and Mercury Studiosâ social media for trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and interview teasers.
- Support the cause: Stream Yungbludâs âChangesâ (Live from Villa Park) single nowâ100% of its proceeds go to charity .
In sum, Back To The Beginning: Ozzyâs Final Bow stands as a historic convergence of culture, compassion, and catharsis. It immortalizes Black Sabbathâs last stand, Ozzyâs final bow, and a community rallying to leave an enduring markâon stages and hearts, and for causes that matter.
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