
๐ธ A Once-in-a-Lifetime Farewell
On July 5, 2025, Black Sabbath reunited in their original lineupโOzzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Wardโat Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham. This wasnโt just any showโit was billed as both the bandโs and Ozzyโs final live performance, concluding their storied careers togetherย . Ozzy, now 76 and battling Parkinsonโs disease to the extent he can no longer walk, performed seated atop a throne, delivering powerful renditions of both his band and solo classicsย .
The show featured a staggering all-star supporting castโMetallica, Guns Nโ Roses, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Mastodon, Lamb of God, Gojira, Halestorm, and many moreโcurated by music director Tom Morelloย . With over 45,000 fans at the stadium and nearly six million global livestream viewers, this was more than a concertโit was a metal-music milestoneย .
๐ฌ Coming Soon: The Film and Live Album
The upcoming 100-minute concert film, titled Back To The Beginning: Ozzyโs Final Bow, is slated for theatrical release in early 2026, produced by Mercury Studios and globally distributedย . Expect an electrifying blend of the most memorable on-stage performancesโโWar Pigs,โ โIron Man,โ โChildren of the Grave,โ and โParanoidโโenhanced by behind-the-scenes footage and candid interviewsย .
The ultra-complete experience will include post-theater releases on DVD and Bluโray later in 2026, alongside an audio livestream albumโideal for fans who want to relive the landmark event from any deviceย .
๐ฐ A Record-Setting Philanthropic Send-Off
From the outset, Back to the Beginning was conceived as more than a showโit was a charity megathon. Organized by Ozzy, Tom Morello, and the band, the concert raised an astonishing ยฃ140 million (about $190 million) benefiting Cure Parkinsonโs, Birmingham Childrenโs Hospital, and Acorns Childrenโs Hospiceย . That makes it the highestโgrossing charity concert ever, eclipsing iconic events like Live Aidย .
Tom Morello praised Ozzyโs and all the artistsโ dedication to creating a historic heavyโmetal spectacleโwith every note raising funds for meaningful causesย . Yungbludโs live version of โChangesโ from the show also dropped as a charity single, with proceeds donated to the same foundationsย .
๐ค Featured Performances & Moments
- Ozzyโs solo set included his legendary hitsโโI Donโt Know,โ โMr. Crowley,โ โSuicide Solution,โ โCrazy Train,โ and โMama, Iโm Coming Homeโโperformed seated but full of spiritย .
- Black Sabbathโs finale, featuring classic quartet performances of โWar Pigs,โ โIron Man,โ โN.I.B.โ and โParanoid,โ ended the show on a soaring high note of nostalgia and emotionย .
- Guest appearances from Jason Momoa (host), Metallica, Aerosmithโs Steven Tyler, Ronnie Wood, Blinkโ182โs Travis Barker, RHCPโs Chad Smith, Slayer, Pantera, and Yungblud added layers of energy, reverence, and crossโgenerational camaraderieย .
๐ Historic and Cultural Impact
The concert marked several milestones:
- First original Black Sabbath reunion in 20 yearsย .
- A culminating performance after Ozzyโs eight-year hiatus from solo touringย .
- Transforming a final gig into the biggest charitable concert in history, leveraging Ozzyโs health journey to uplift Parkinsonโs causesย .
- A citywide tribute in Birmingham, including largescale murals and artworks celebrating Sabbathโs legacy and Ozzyโs rootsย .
Tony Iommi shared how emotions were at a peak during pre-show rehearsals, unsure how much Ozzy could contributeโbut he performed beyond expectations, showing grit and commitment to the endย .
๐๏ธ What to Expect in 2026
- Theatrical release, early 2026: likely a limited-run in select cinemas, with global distribution dates forthcomingย .
- Physical media release (DVD/Blu-ray and audio album) later in 2026โideal for collectors and fans who want the full setlist and additional featuresย .
- Charity impact continuation: Ticket and single sales from Yungblud and other releases will further support the same three charities.
๐คฉ Why This Matters
For fans of Ozzy, Sabbath, and metal at large, this is more than a concert documentaryโitโs the closing chapter of an era. It captures both triumph and vulnerabilityโOzzyโs stoic performance amid health challenges and the solidarity of the metal community. Itโs poised to be one of the most compelling concert films ever released.
โ 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 Osbourneโs and Mercury Studiosโ social media for trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and interview teasers.
- Support the cause: Stream Yungbludโs โChangesโ (Live from Villa Park) single nowโ100% of its proceeds go to charityย .
In sum, Back To The Beginning: Ozzyโs Final Bow stands as a historic convergence of culture, compassion, and catharsis. It immortalizes Black Sabbathโs last stand, Ozzyโs final bow, and a community rallying to leave an enduring markโon stages and hearts, and for causes that matter.
Leave a Reply