At Villa Park in Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025, a seismic shift in heavy metal history occurred. Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic “Prince of Darkness,” delivered his final live performance—both as a solo artist and frontman of Black Sabbath—in a climactic farewell event titled Back to the Beginning .
The outdoor stadium, nestled in Osbourne’s hometown, brimmed with over 40,000 lifelong fans as he ascended the stage—seated on a black throne inspired by jeweled skulls, his voice undiminished by decades of touring or the ravages of Parkinson’s disease . “Let the madness begin!” he shouted, and the crowd thundered back in gratitude .
Osbourne performed a short solo set of five signature songs—including a poignant rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” the only non‑Blizzard of Ozz track in his setlist . He was then joined by Black Sabbath’s original lineup—osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—marking their first performance together in 20 years and a symbolic closing of the Sabbath legacy.
The farewell concert was much more than a simple show. It was a heartfelt celebration. Hundreds of musicians and bands appeared in tribute, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Halestorm, as well as artists like Billy Corgan, Sammy Hagar, David Draiman, Slash, Fred Durst, and Yungblud . Many paid homage to Sabbath and Osbourne, performing covers and collaborative set pieces curated by musical director Tom Morello .
A highlight of the event came when Sammy Hagar performed Ozzy’s classic “Flying High Again”, stepping in because Ozzy reserved “No More Tears” for his own set . Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale delivered a fiery version of “Perry Mason,” while Anthrax and Lamb of God tore through Sabbath staples with unapologetic thrash power, igniting the crowd in massive pits and raising the stakes of tribute performance to uncharted energy .
The stage also featured grand all‑star ensembles. One included David Draiman, Lzzy Hale, Scott Ian, Nuno Bettencourt, Mike Bordin, and others, performing Sabbath songs like “Sweet Leaf” and “Changes,” led emotionally by a vocal rendition from Yungblud, reducing many in the audience to tears . Another supergroup included Steven Tyler, Dave Ellefson, Slash, Andrew Watt, and Chad Smith, weaving Sabbath’s essence into collaborative medleys throughout the day .
Funds raised from the event—estimated at £140 million—have been earmarked for charities including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice . In another tribute, one week before the concert, Osbourne and his former bandmates were made Freemen of the City of Birmingham, further affirming their enduring connection to their roots .
Even amid celebration, Ozzy’s health realities were evident. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020, compounded by spinal injuries from previous accidents, he has performed seated since 2023 and paused touring due to the challenges he faced . Fans and critics alike noted that this farewell felt genuine—long overdue but tenderly executed—and reflected his decision to leave the stage while still honoring the music and the people who made it possible .
Days after the show, Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, at age 76, his legacy sealed by a final public bow that felt both triumphant and complete . Among the tributes poured in—from global fans, fellow rock legends, and prominent voices in music commentary—the sentiment was universal: he went out on his own terms, giving one ultimate performance to celebrate his life and artistry.
Osbourne’s final studio recording, the orchestral version of “Gods of Rock n Roll”, co‑written with Billy Morrison, had climbed the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart even before its release on February 14, 2025. It peaked at No. 8—his final charting contribution . Though no new album materialized, fans had speculated about possible projects—but Osbourne’s deteriorating health put such possibilities in doubt .
The upcoming filmed version of the concert, titled Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, is slated for theatrical release in early 2026, followed by DVD and Blu‑ray distribution . For many, this will be the last chance to witness a legend’s swan song—a testament to a musical titan who defined heavy metal and transcended it in the process.
In the end, “Welcome to Heaven” feels fitting—not as a literal afterlife, but as the final chapter in a stratospheric career, a heavenly ascension on Ozzy’s terms: dramatic, defiant, heartfelt, and eternal.
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