In a show-stopping tribute that rocked audiences to their core, Jack Black returned to his heavy metal roots with a powerful performance of Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic 1980 track “Mr. Crowley” — but this wasn’t just another cover. Black was joined by a supergroup of rising musical talent: Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma, and Hugo Weiss, each bringing their own fire to the stage for a one-night-only celebration of rock history and charitable giving.
The performance was the emotional climax of “Back to the Beginning,” a concert held on July 5 in Birmingham, UK — the hometown of Black Sabbath and the birthplace of heavy metal itself. Now available to watch on YouTube, the video is already gaining attention for its electrifying energy, star power, and powerful purpose.
All profits from the event are being donated to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, bringing the spirit of giving full circle in a city where so much of rock’s legacy began.
A Tribute to the Prince of Darkness
“Mr. Crowley” — originally released by Ozzy Osbourne in 1980 — is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic and theatrical songs in rock history. With its eerie organ intro, blistering guitar solos, and occult themes, the song was the perfect vehicle for Jack Black’s operatic range, theatrical presence, and deep love of metal.
But Black didn’t go it alone. The reimagining featured:
- Roman Morello (son of Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello) on guitar, channeling Randy Rhoads with blistering fretwork and raw tone.
- Revel Ian (son of Anthrax’s Scott Ian) on drums, delivering thunderous beats and rhythmic precision far beyond his years.
- Yoyoka Soma, the Japanese drumming prodigy, whose performance combined technical mastery with explosive charisma.
- Hugo Weiss, the young British multi-instrumentalist, who rounded out the lineup with bass and keyboard prowess, including that haunting organ intro.
Together, the group recreated not just the notes of “Mr. Crowley,” but the entire mystique — from the theatrical lighting and costumes to the reverent nods to Osbourne’s original stage presence. Black, clad in flowing gothic robes, fully embodied Ozzy’s spirit, blending reverence with his signature humor and intensity.
Back to Birmingham, Back to the Beginning
The concert was more than just a tribute — it was a celebration of Birmingham’s legacy as the birthplace of metal. “Back to the Beginning” was curated as a love letter to the city that gave the world Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and countless other rock icons.
Jack Black, long a vocal fan of Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, called the opportunity to perform in Birmingham a “pilgrimage” and said he felt “honored to pay tribute to the music that made me who I am.”
Held at an intimate but historic venue, the show featured other performances and tributes, but it was “Mr. Crowley” that brought the house down. Audience members, including rock legends and young fans alike, gave the performance a standing ovation.
Charity with Heart
What made “Back to the Beginning” even more meaningful was its mission: all profits from the event are being donated to three UK-based charities:
- Cure Parkinson’s, funding innovative research into treatments and ultimately a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a world-renowned facility caring for some of the UK’s most vulnerable young patients.
- Acorn Children’s Hospice, which provides palliative care and emotional support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
“This wasn’t just about celebrating the past,” said one of the event organizers. “It was about using the power of music to make a difference in people’s lives now — especially those who need it most.”
Now Streaming: Watch the Magic Unfold
For those who missed the live performance, the good news is that the video is now available on YouTube, bringing this unforgettable moment to a global audience. Early viewers are calling it “goosebump-inducing,” “pure metal magic,” and “the best thing Jack Black has ever done.”
With hundreds of thousands of views already and climbing, the online release is helping drive even more awareness and donations to the featured charities.
Fans can donate directly via links provided in the video description, and proceeds from associated merchandise and streams will also support the cause.
Whether you’re a longtime Ozzy fan, a follower of Jack Black’s musical escapades, or just someone who loves seeing young talent shred alongside legends, this performance is one for the ages — and all for a good cause.
Watch now on YouTube and experience “Mr. Crowley” like never before.
Would you like a press kit, quote graphics, or a shorter version for social media?
Leave a Reply