English singer-songwriter Ozzy Osbourne and the original members of Black Sabbath delivered a historic final concert on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, drawing an electrified crowd of 40,000 fans.
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Star-Studded Lineup Celebrates Heavy Metal Legacy
Billed as a celebration of heavy metal’s roots, the farewell concert — titled Back to the Beginning — featured some of the biggest names in rock and metal. Legendary bands and artists including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Gojira, and Alice in Chains performed throughout the 10-hour music marathon.
Famed guitarist Tom Morello served as the musical director for the evening, while actor and passionate metal fan Jason Momoa hosted the event. Rock legends like the Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler also made special appearances, adding to the unforgettable atmosphere.
Black Sabbath Reunites After 20 Years
This concert marked the first time the original Black Sabbath lineup has reunited in 20 years. The venue, Villa Park, held deep sentimental value for Ozzy Osbourne as it is located near his childhood home in Aston, Birmingham.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Heartfelt Performance
Despite battling Parkinson’s disease, 76-year-old Osbourne took the stage seated on a black throne, exuding charisma as he clapped, waved, and flashed his signature wide-eyed expressions.
“You have no idea how I feel. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Osbourne told the ecstatic crowd, his words resonating deeply with lifelong fans.
The Legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath
Born on December 3, 1948, John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne rose to fame in the 1970s as the frontman of Black Sabbath, widely credited with defining the heavy metal genre. After leaving the band in 1979 due to substance abuse struggles, Osbourne enjoyed an immensely successful solo career and later reunited with Black Sabbath multiple times, including for their 2013 album 13 and their farewell tour in 2017.
Conclusion: A Historic Night for Heavy Metal
The final performance of Black Sabbath with Ozzy Osbourne at Villa Park was more than just a concert — it was a monumental celebration of a genre they helped create and a heartfelt farewell to fans who have supported them for over five decades.