Ozzy Osbourne Takes The Stage for His Last Performance
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath said their final goodbyes to the stage. The legends of rock had a monumental send-off at Birmingham’s Villa Park on Saturday, July 5.
Hence, the show, aptly named “Back to Beginning,” marked the end of an era for the metal icons. Organized by Sharon Osbourne, the concert celebrated the legendary band’s roots while honoring the career of one of rock’s most enduring figures.
At 76, Ozzy Osbourne has battled a series of health issues. Among them, a diagnosis of advanced Parkinson’s disease has limited his mobility. Despite this, his vocal power remains intact. Thus, the Saturday performance served not only as a farewell but as a moment of triumph for the icon and his bandmates.
The event also served a charitable purpose. In this way, the proceeds benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
The day-long celebration, which began at 1 p.m. BST, featured a star-studded lineup of performers. In addition to Black Sabbath, legends like Metallica, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, etc took the stage. Fans were treated to powerful covers of Sabbath classics throughout the day. Among them were Yungblud’s soulful take on “Changes,” Anthrax’s blistering rendition of “Electric Funeral,” and more.
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath: Saying Goodbye
Hosted by actor Jason Momoa, the massive event lasted for an epic 11 hours. Additionally, it had a global pay-per-view stream allowing fans worldwide to participate. For just £25, viewers were able to experience the historic show online.
The concert was a heartfelt tribute to Ozzy and Black Sabbath’s unparalleled influence on rock music. Metallica’s James Hetfield summed it up perfectly. “Without Sabbath, there would be no Metallica. Thank you, boys, for giving us purpose in life.” Elton John, another longtime admirer, shared a message for Ozzy, calling him a king and reflecting on his struggles.
The night reached its emotional climax in the final hour. In that moment, Ozzy Osbourne took the stage with his touring band to perform five solo hits. All of it while he was sitting on a throne due to his health condition. Then, in a moment that thrilled fans, Ozzy reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates—Tony Iommi,
Bill Ward and Geezer Butler—for a final, powerful performance. This marked the first time Bill Ward had played with the band since 2005, adding an extra layer of significance to the moment.
With the final notes played, the curtain fell on an iconic chapter in rock history, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
