Ozzy Osbourne Bids Farewell with Historic Black Sabbath Reunion in Birmingham
On July 5, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, delivered his final live performance at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. This monumental event, titled "Back to the Beginning," marked the first reunion of Black Sabbath's original lineup—Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—in two decades. The concert served as a heartfelt farewell to live performances for both Osbourne and the band, drawing a crowd of 40,000 fans to their hometown.
Despite battling Parkinson's disease, the 76-year-old Osbourne took the stage seated on a black throne, embodying the resilience that has defined his career. The evening featured a solo set by Osbourne, including his classic hit "Crazy Train," before he joined his bandmates to perform Black Sabbath staples like "Paranoid" and "Iron Man." The event was part of a larger heavy metal festival that included performances by Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and Anthrax, among others. Tributes from fellow artists such as Jack Black, Dolly Parton, and Elton John underscored Osbourne's profound influence on the music industry.
The concert was not only a celebration of Black Sabbath's legacy but also a charitable endeavor. Proceeds from the event, totaling £140 million, were donated to organizations including Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorns Children's Hospice. This final performance encapsulated the band's journey from their formation in Birmingham in 1968 to becoming pioneers of heavy metal, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and their fans worldwide.