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Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert raises £140 million (~$175 million USD) for charity and sees Ozzy honored with a statue reveal
On July 5, 2025, Black Sabbath closed the curtain on their storied career with the monumental “Back to the Beginning” show at Villa Park in their hometown of Birmingham, England. The concert marked both lead singer Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance and a full-band reunion with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—the original lineup reunited live for the first time since 2005 (en.wikipedia.org).
Star‑studded lineup
More than 40,000 fans packed Villa Park to witness over 10 hours of music. The event featured legendary acts like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Anthrax, Panthera, Tool, and Gojira, many paying tribute by covering Sabbath classics (en.wikipedia.org). Two “supergroup” medleys boasted surprises: Steven Tyler, Ronnie Wood, Billy Corgan, Travis Barker, Sammy Hagar, and Tom Morello all appeared as part of an all-star house band (thetimes.co.uk). Celebrity sightings included Jason Momoa hosting—and even joining the mosh pit—adding an unforgettable touch to the event (thesun.co.uk).
Ozzy’s final bow
Seated on a gothic throne due to Parkinson’s, Osbourne gave a five‑song solo set including the anthems “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” (ew.com). He later reunited with Sabbath for “War Pigs,” “Paranoid,” “N.I.B.,” and “Iron Man” (ew.com). His emotional end‑of‑show remarks—“thank you from the bottom of my heart… I love you”—followed fireworks and a celebratory cake (hawaiinewsnow.com).
Charity windfall
The concert raised a staggering £140 million (~$175 million), to be distributed evenly among Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice (en.wikipedia.org). Hosted by Jason Momoa, and including video tributes from Elton John, Dolly Parton, Jack Black and others, the event blended celebration with profound reverence for Sabbath’s legacy (en.wikipedia.org).
Ozzy to be immortalized with statue
Following the show’s success, Birmingham officials have revealed plans to honor Ozzy with a statue in the city that birthed heavy metal. This monument recognizes his homecoming performance and decades of influence .
This breathtaking concert wasn’t just Black Sabbath’s farewell—it was a charitable juggernaut, a homecoming celebration, and a crowning moment in Ozzy Osbourne’s trailblazing career.
