By Sharon Osbourne
APOzzy Osbourne Farewell Concert was a hit. In the picture, Ozzy Osbourne performs during the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony at the Alexander stadium in Birmingham, England, Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
Ozzy Osbourne farewell concert caught everyone鈥檚 attention when Black Sabbath, the legendary heavy metal band, reunited for a final performance on July 5, 2025. The event, titled Back to the Beginning, took place at Villa Park in Birmingham, the hometown of frontman Ozzy Osbourne. The concert marked a farewell celebration for Osbourne and the band鈥檚 last on-stage reunion.Ozzy Osbourne Farewell Concert: Historic Reunion The show was Black Sabbath’s first performance together in 20 years. Ozzy Osbourne was joined by original members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Together, they performed hits like 鈥淲ar Pigs,鈥 鈥淣IB,鈥 鈥淚ron Man,鈥 and 鈥淧aranoid.鈥 Osbourne, seated on a black winged throne, opened his solo set with 鈥淢r. Crowley鈥 and 鈥淐razy Train.鈥漁zzy Osbourne Farewell Concert Performers and Guest AppearancesThe concert featured some of the biggest names in rock and metal. Metallica, Guns N鈥 Roses, Slayer, Tool, Gojira, Alice in Chains, The Smashing Pumpkins鈥 Billy Corgan, Aerosmith鈥檚 Steven Tyler, Korn鈥檚 Jonathan Davis, and Wolfgang Van Halen performed during the event. Hollywood actor Jason Momoa and actor Adria Arjona hosted the event. Momoa also joined fans in a circle pit and shared his passion for the band, saying Black Sabbath鈥檚 music inspired all his characters.Also Read: Human urine can turn into this useful material. See what is it and how do scientists make this science wonder happenOzzy Osbourne鈥檚 Return to StageDiagnosed with Parkinson鈥檚 in 2019, Ozzy Osbourne had been largely away from live shows. His appearance was a surprise and a return after several canceled performances. He last appeared publicly at the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction but did not perform. The Back to the Beginning concert was streamed worldwide with a two-hour delay, allowing global fans to watch the event.Live EventsOzzy Osbourne Farewell Concert Tributes and Special MessagesPre-recorded tributes were aired during the show. Dolly Parton, Elton John and Jack Black were among those who paid homage. Jack Black recreated Osbourne鈥檚 famous 鈥淢r. Crowley鈥 performance. The city of Birmingham had also shown pride in Osbourne鈥檚 return, decorating the area with murals and tributes ahead of the concert.Ozzy Osbourne Farewell Concert Planning and Purpose The event was co-organized by Sharon Osbourne and Rage Against the Machine鈥檚 Tom Morello. Morello also served as the musical director. The concert ran for 10 hours and was billed as a final send-off for Black Sabbath and Ozzy. All proceeds will go to Cure Parkinson鈥檚, Birmingham Children鈥檚 Hospital, and Acorns Children鈥檚 Hospice.Also Read: Helldivers 2 Xbox Pre-Order: What is Helldivers 2? See Xbox release date, editions, bonuses, how to pre-orderOzzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now ReleaseLater this year, Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now will release on Paramount+. The documentary will explore his career, medical struggles, and life beyond music. It will offer a deeper look into his public image and recent challenges.Legacy of Black SabbathBlack Sabbath, formed in 1968 in Birmingham, played a key role in shaping the heavy metal genre. Their sound and imagery became influential across generations. Osbourne also reached mainstream audiences with the MTV show The Osbournes. The Villa Park concert brought their journey full circle, back where it started.FAQsWhat was the purpose of the Black Sabbath farewell concert?The concert raised funds for Cure Parkinson鈥檚, Birmingham Children鈥檚 Hospital, and Acorns Children鈥檚 Hospice through a one-day-only music event.Who were some major performers at Back to the Beginning?Artists included Metallica, Guns N鈥 Roses, Alice in Chains, Tool, Slayer, and Korn, alongside Ozzy Osbourne and other original Black Sabbath members.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onblack sabbath final concertozzy osbourneblack sabbathback to the beginningbirmingham metal concertozzy farewell concertmetallica villa parkblack sabbath reunionblack sabbath last showozzy osbourne documentary(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates….moreless
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