Ozzy Osbourne delivered a triumphant and energized performance during Black Sabbath’s final concert on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, despite his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s Disease and recovery from multiple spinal surgeries. The “Back To The Beginning” event marked the first performance of the classic lineup in twenty years, with medical professionals working extensively to prepare Osbourne for his commanding stage appearance. His versatile command showcased remarkable resilience before subsequent health challenges.
The curtain fell on one of heavy metal’s most storied careers as Ozzy Osbourne delivered his final performance with Black Sabbath on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. The concert, titled “Back To The Beginning,” marked the first time in twenty years that the classic lineup of Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward had performed together, creating a historic moment for the heavy metal genre that originated in Birmingham over five decades ago.
Despite years of publicized health struggles, including battles with Parkinson’s Disease and recovery from spinal surgeries, Osbourne’s stage presence was described as triumphant and deeply energized throughout the farewell performance. Medical professionals and team members had worked extensively to prepare for Osbourne’s safe appearance on stage, ensuring the artist could deliver a powerful performance that would serve as a fitting culmination to his legendary career with the band.
Despite significant health challenges, Ozzy’s commanding stage presence delivered a triumphant and powerfully energized performance for his legendary career finale.
The show structure featured Osbourne opening with a solo set before rejoining Black Sabbath for the main performance, blending solo material with classic Sabbath tracks that demonstrated his versatile command of the stage. The setlist included landmark tracks spanning from the band’s debut era through later classics, with collaborative performances highlighting the interplay between Osbourne and the original band members that helped establish the foundation of heavy metal music.
Villa Park was chosen for its significance as a homecoming venue, reflecting Black Sabbath’s Birmingham origins and their role in creating a genre that has sold more than 75 million albums globally. The event sold out quickly, drawing fans from around the world to witness this defining cultural moment for heavy metal music. Supporting acts throughout the evening included major metal bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and Gojira, creating an unprecedented lineup that celebrated the evolution of heavy metal.
Concert profits were designated for charitable organizations including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, adding philanthropic significance to the farewell event. Major music media coverage emphasized the emotional resonance of the performance, with social media responses highlighting the concert’s impact as both a celebration of Black Sabbath’s legacy and a bittersweet acknowledgment of the end of an era in heavy metal history.
