In what’s going to go down as one of the historic nights in rock historical past, Ozzy Osbourne carried out for the ultimate time at Villa Park in Birmingham, bringing his five-decade profession to a thunderous, emotional conclusion. The occasion, titled “Again to the Starting,” served not solely as a farewell for Ozzy but in addition a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of heavy metallic’s roots in its birthplace of Birmingham. Ozzy wanted help along with his chair getting onstage after his carry up.
That is how Ozzy got here out on stage 🤘🏻 pic.twitter.com/RrvNR767z4
— 🎸 Rock Historical past 🎸 (@historyrock_) July 5, 2025
Tens of 1000’s of followers packed the house stadium of Aston Villa to witness the Prince of Darkness return to the town the place Black Sabbath was born. The live performance offered out inside minutes and featured an unprecedented lineup of metallic and rock royalty who paid tribute to Ozzy and his legacy.
Earlier than Ozzy took the stage, followers have been handled to an all-day onslaught of performances from a mixture of present heavyweights and legendary acts. Among the many performers have been Metallica, Weapons N’ Roses, Software, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Halestorm, Gojira, Anthrax, Rival Sons, and Mastodon. Particular collaborative units featured rock icons together with Billy Corgan, Tom Morello, Slash, Duff McKagan, Lzzy Hale, David Draiman, Steven Tyler, Sammy Hagar, and Ok.Ok. Downing. A high-energy drum-off included Travis Barker, Danny Carey, and Chad Smith, igniting the group earlier than the headliner took the highlight.
Actor Jason Momoa hosted the occasion, whereas Tom Morello served because the night’s musical director, serving to coordinate tributes and shock collaborations all through the night time. The power remained electrical as artists rotated throughout a number of levels, performing each unique materials and Sabbath classics in homage to Ozzy.
When the time lastly got here, Ozzy was joined on stage by longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Mike Inez, drummer Tommy Clufetos, and keyboardist Adam Wakeman. Although his well being has compelled him to retire from touring, Ozzy gave a fierce and targeted efficiency, singing hits like “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “Bark on the Moon” with readability and coronary heart. Followers erupted in tears and cheers as he waved goodbye, clearly emotional throughout what he confirmed can be his final reside look.
The night time reached its emotional peak when Ozzy was joined by all three unique members of Black Sabbath—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Invoice Ward—for one remaining reunion efficiency. It was the primary time the unique lineup had shared a stage in 20 years. Collectively, they tore via classics like “Paranoid,” “Struggle Pigs,” and “Iron Man,” with the group singing each phrase in unison.
Proceeds from the occasion benefited Treatment Parkinson’s, Birmingham Youngsters’s Hospital, and Acorns Youngsters’s Hospice. Regardless of minor complaints about excessive drink costs and crowd congestion, the live performance was hailed as a masterful and transferring sendoff to one of many style’s most iconic figures.
Ozzy Osbourne’s remaining present wasn’t only a live performance—it was a full-circle celebration of his life, music, and affect, surrounded by the artists he impressed and the followers who by no means left his aspect. Because the lights dimmed on Villa Park, one factor was sure: there’ll by no means be one other like Ozzy.
