Ozzy Osbourne Last Show: On July 5, 2025, the heavy metal world gathered in Birmingham, England, to witness a historic moment: Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert at Villa Park. At 76, the Prince of Darkness, battling Parkinson’s disease and spinal injuries, took the stage one last time with Black Sabbath’s original lineup. It was a night of raw emotion, thunderous riffs, and a fitting tribute to a man who shaped heavy metal. Here’s a look at why this show was unforgettable.
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A Hometown Hero’s Final Bow
Birmingham isn’t just any city for Ozzy—it’s where it all began. Born in the working-class suburb of Aston, Ozzy formed Black Sabbath in 1968 with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Villa Park, a stone’s throw from his childhood home, was the perfect stage for his farewell. The 10-hour event, dubbed “Back to the Beginning,” wasn’t just a concert; it was a love letter to the city and fans who’ve supported him for over five decades. As Ozzy rose from beneath the stage on a bat-winged throne, the crowd of 42,000 roared, knowing they were part of history.
A Star-Studded Celebration
The concert was a metal fan’s dream, featuring giants like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Pantera, alongside a supergroup with Billy Corgan, Slash, and Tom Morello. Hosted by Jason Momoa, the event felt like a family reunion for heavy metal. Each act paid tribute to Black Sabbath’s legacy, mixing their own hits with Sabbath classics. A highlight was Yungblud’s emotional cover of “Changes,” which left Sharon Osbourne in tears. Video messages from Elton John, Dolly Parton, and others underscored Ozzy’s influence across genres. It was a reminder of how Black Sabbath’s sound became the blueprint for heavy metal.
Ozzy’s Resilience Shines Through
Despite his health struggles, Ozzy gave everything he had. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 and dealing with spinal issues from a 2019 fall, he performed seated on a skull-adorned throne—a nod to his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame appearance in 2024. His voice, though not what it once was, carried the weight of his legacy. “I’ve been laid up for six f—ing years,” he told the crowd, “you have no idea how much this means to me.” Fans cheered louder when he struggled with pitch, carrying him through songs like “Crazy Train” and “Paranoid.” His grit was inspiring.
Black Sabbath’s Final Set
The night’s pinnacle was Black Sabbath’s reunion, the first with the original lineup since 2005. They played a tight four-song set: “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.” Bill Ward’s return was a big deal—past tensions had kept him away, but this was a moment of closure. As Ozzy thanked the crowd, saying, “Your support over the years has made it all possible,” the emotion was palpable. The set was short due to the band’s stamina, but every note hit like a sledgehammer, cementing their place as metal’s founding fathers.
A Legacy That Lives On
The concert wasn’t just a goodbye; it was a celebration of Ozzy’s impact. From Black Sabbath’s groundbreaking albums to his solo career and reality TV fame with The Osbournes, he’s a cultural icon. The show raised £140 million for charities like Cure Parkinson’s and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, showing his commitment to giving back. A film, Back to the Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, set for release in 2026, will immortalize the event. For fans like 21-year-old Heyang Zhou, who cried watching Ozzy, it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment. Ozzy’s wild spirit and music will echo for generations.