A Legendary Farewell
Black Sabbath reunited for Ozzy Osbourne’s final show with the band at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday, delivering an electrifying concert that featured appearances by other rock legends.
Steven Tyler, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Ronnie Wood, Alice in Chains, Slayer, Fred Durst, and more all took the stage in front of a reported 42,000-strong crowd as part of the “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert.
Ozzy Osbourne at His Final Farewell Show with Black Sabbath.
Ozzy Osbourne Performs at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5.
Ozzy Osbourne takes the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5.
The show featured medleys by two supergroups, with the second lineup including Tyler, Wood, Travis Barker, Billy Corgan, Sammy Hagar, and Tom Morello.
The supporting acts performed a blend of Black Sabbath covers alongside their own original songs.
After Metallica’s performance, 76-year-old Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for a solo five-song set before being joined by his former Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler for four of the group’s iconic songs.
“Are you ready?” Osbourne asked the crowd. “Let the madness begin!”
The “Crazy Train” singer, who lives with Parkinson’s, sat in a black leather chair as he energized the audience.
At the show’s conclusion, Osbourne was presented with a cake while fireworks lit up Villa Park, marking the emotional finale.
“It’s the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I love you,” Osbourne said to the crowd.
Music legends including Dolly Parton, Elton John, Billy Idol, and Jonathan Davis sent recorded video messages, praising Black Sabbath’s profound impact on their own music.
Black Sabbath performing at their final show with Ozzy Osbourne.
The sold-out concert, hosted by “Aquaman” star Jason Momoa, marked the first time the original Black Sabbath band members performed together in 20 years.
All proceeds from the all-day event were dedicated to three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
Fans cheer during Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” concert.
