A Historic Night in Birmingham
On July 5, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath gave fans a night to remember at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. The event, called Back to the Beginning, was billed as the band’s final show and Ozzy’s last performance ever. With health challenges like Parkinson’s disease keeping him off the stage for years, the 76-year-old metal legend reunited with original bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for a four-song set that shook the stadium. Fans from around the world watched the livestream, celebrating the band that started heavy metal.
The Road to the Final Bow
Ozzy’s journey to this moment was not easy. After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to struggles with drugs and alcohol, he launched a successful solo career with hits like Crazy Train. Over the years, he reunited with the band for tours and the 2013 album 13, but health issues slowed him down. Posts on X show fans buzzing with excitement when the Back to the Beginning show was announced in February 2025, raising funds for charities like Cure Parkinsons and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The event, organized by Sharon Osbourne and Tom Morello, was a fitting goodbye.
What They Played
The final Black Sabbath set was short but powerful, packing in some of their biggest songs. Here’s the setlist:
| Song | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|
| War Pigs | Paranoid | 1970 |
| Iron Man | Paranoid | 1970 |
| Electric Funeral | Paranoid | 1970 |
| Paranoid | Paranoid | 1970 |
Ozzy’s voice showed signs of age, but the crowd’s energy lifted him. Geezer Butler played a Villa-branded bass, and Tony Iommi’s riffs were as heavy as ever. Fireworks and confetti closed out Paranoid, with Ozzy shouting to the crowd, “Go crazy!” The New York Times noted his gratitude, thanking fans for supporting the band’s wild ride over decades.
Ozzy’s Solo Set Steals Hearts
Before Black Sabbath took the stage, Ozzy performed a solo set, his first live show in nearly seven years. Backed by longtime bandmates like Zakk Wylde, he sang classics like Suicide Solution and Mama, I’m Coming Home. Here’s a look at his solo performance:
| Song | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Suicide Solution | Blizzard of Ozz | 1980 |
| Mama, I’m Coming Home | No More Tears | 1991 |
| Crazy Train | Blizzard of Ozz | 1980 |
The Guardian reported Ozzy’s joy, clapping along to Wylde’s solos and thanking fans from the heart. Despite being seated due to mobility issues, his energy and connection with the crowd were electric, proving why he’s called the Prince of Darkness.
A Metal Legacy Lives On
The Back to the Beginning festival wasn’t just about Black Sabbath. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Mastodon played, showing how Sabbath’s sound shaped metal. Artists like Anthrax’s Scott Ian and Pantera’s Phil Anselmo covered Sabbath songs, honoring their influence. The event felt like a family reunion for metal fans, with everyone from grunge to thrash metal sharing the stage. The New York Times called it a “living family tree” of the genre, with Sabbath as the root.
Saying Goodbye to a Legend
As Paranoid ended, Ozzy told the crowd, “Your support over the years has made it all possible.” The emotional weight of his words hit hard, marking the end of an era. While Ozzy may not perform again, his music with Black Sabbath and solo work will keep inspiring. Fans on X shared photos and videos, calling it a dream come true to see the original lineup one last time. This final show was a loud, proud farewell to a band that changed music forever.