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On July 5th, 2025, something extraordinary happened. A stage in Birmingham, England, lit up not just with lights and pyrotechnics, but with five decades of musical legacy. That night, Ozzy Osbourne stood beside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward one last time as Black Sabbath. Together, they delivered a thunderous farewell titled Back to the Beginning — a historic performance that marked not only the end of Black Sabbath’s journey but also Ozzy’s final solo concert.
This wasn’t just a concert. It was a full-circle moment, a homecoming, and a love letter to rock fans across generations.
Why This Farewell Shook the World
A Lifetime of Music, One Final Performance
At 76, Ozzy Osbourne defied his health battles — including Parkinson’s and spinal surgery — to take the stage. Seated on a gothic throne, he gave fans every ounce of soul he had left. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was brave. It was raw. It was Ozzy.
The Original Lineup, Reunited
It had been more than 20 years since all four original members performed together. From “Iron Man” to “Paranoid”, they played the songs that built the foundation of heavy metal. It felt like time had stopped for one night, just so we could live it all again.
A Star-Studded Salute to Rock
Curated by Tom Morello, the 10-hour spectacle featured surprise performances by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Anthrax, Slayer, Pantera, and Tool. It wasn’t just a concert — it was a masterclass in rock, metal, and sheer musical power.
Rock With Purpose
Every ticket, livestream, and limited-edition hoodie sold raised funds for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. The concert didn’t just touch hearts — it made a difference.
Ozzy’s Final Solo Setlist: Short, Sweet, and Legendary
Before joining Sabbath for the grand finale, Ozzy delivered one last solo performance:
- I Don’t Know
- Mr. Crowley
- Suicide Solution
- Mama, I’m Coming Home
- Crazy Train
Even seated, he commanded the crowd with the same intensity he had in the ’80s. And when he rose from that throne to join Sabbath’s final set? Goosebumps.
A Concert for the Whole World
Couldn’t make it to Villa Park? Neither could millions. That’s why Back to the Beginning was streamed globally through BackToTheBeginning.com, with replays available for 48 hours.
5.8 million people tuned in from around the world, and over 40,000 fans packed the stadium. Some cried. Some screamed. Most just stood still, in awe of the moment.
Rock Royalty On Stage (and Off)
- Jason Momoa wasn’t just the host — he jumped in a Pantera mosh pit like a true metalhead.
- Steven Tyler, Slash, Billy Corgan, and Zakk Wylde lent their voices and guitars to the farewell.
- Elton John, Dolly Parton, and Jack Black shared emotional video tributes.
What People Are Saying
From music journalists to die-hard fans, the verdict was unanimous:
- The Times called it “an emotional farewell.”
- The Independent compared it to Live Aid — only heavier, louder, and more intimate.
- Social media was flooded with videos of fans crying, hugging, and screaming, “Thank you, Ozzy!”
A Legacy Wrapped in Pyro and Thunder
As fireworks lit the Birmingham sky and Ozzy cut a cake on stage (yes, seriously), the message was clear: this was goodbye, not farewell.
For the band that started it all, there was no better way to say it than to bring it back to where it began — their hometown, their fans, their roots.
What This Moment Means For You
Whether you’ve been wearing a Sabbath patch since 1970 or only discovered Ozzy on a Spotify playlist, this moment was for you.
- Superfans: You saw your heroes take a bow, together, one last time.
- Casual Listeners: You witnessed the final act of rock’s wildest saga.
- Historians & Dreamers: You saw how music builds culture, connection, and change in one night.
Final Word
Back to the Beginning wasn’t just a final concert. It was a love letter to everything Black Sabbath ever stood for — darkness, energy, rebellion, and resilience.
And Ozzy? He didn’t just walk away.
He took one last crazy train ride — and he made sure we all came along.
Thank You, Ozzy. Thank You, Sabbath.
The legends have left the stage — but their echoes will never fade.
