The Final Curtain Call: Black Sabbath’s Emotional Farewell. Relive the magic of Black Sabbath’s final concert, “Back To The Beginning,” and see the outpouring of love and support for Sharon Osbourne as she stands by her husband Ozzy.

Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” at Villa Park: A Homecoming for the Ages

On July 5th, 2025, Birmingham witnessed a night that will echo through the annals of rock history. Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” concert at Villa Park was not just a show—it was a triumphant homecoming and a heartfelt farewell, a gathering of legends and fans united by the music that changed the world.

From the early hours, a palpable electricity charged the city as fans from every corner of the globe descended on Villa Park. The anticipation was feverish: all four original members—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—would share the stage for the first time in years, closing the circle where it all began.

The festival was a marathon of metal royalty. As the afternoon sun blazed, Metallica ignited the crowd with a blistering set, tearing through anthems like “Master of Puppets” and “Enter Sandman.” Guns N’ Roses swaggered on next, their hits echoing across the stadium, every chorus sung by tens of thousands. Slayer unleashed their signature fury, followed by the hypnotic intensity of Tool and the raw power of Pantera—each act a salute to the godfathers of heavy metal.

But as dusk fell, the collective heartbeat of the crowd quickened. When the stadium lights dimmed and Ozzy’s unmistakable silhouette appeared, a deafening roar erupted. Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and—after two decades away—Bill Ward joined him, the four legends basking in the adulation of a crowd that had waited years for this moment.

They opened with “War Pigs,” and the effect was immediate—a tidal wave of nostalgia and raw emotion. Ozzy’s voice, weathered yet defiant, soared above the thunderous riffs and pounding drums. Tony’s guitar cut through the night air with surgical precision, Geezer’s bass rumbled like an earthquake, and Bill’s drumming anchored it all in history.

“Iron Man” followed, its iconic riff sending shivers through generations of fans. Giant screens flashed archival footage, bridging past and present, while the crowd—some who’d traveled continents—sang every word in unison. The energy was electric, the sense of occasion unmistakable.

“N.I.B.” brought a haunting groove, Geezer’s bass intro drawing cheers before the band plunged into the song’s dark magic. The chemistry between the four was undeniable, their shared joy lighting up the stage. For many, this was a reminder of why Sabbath’s music has endured for more than fifty years.

The emotional zenith arrived with “Paranoid.” As the opening notes rang out, fireworks exploded overhead, and confetti rained down, transforming Villa Park into a cathedral of celebration. Ozzy, visibly moved, shouted, “I fucking love you!” to the sea of fans, his gratitude as raw as ever. It was a genuine, heartfelt goodbye from a man who has given everything to his fans and his band.

Between songs, there were hugs, smiles, even tears—proof that this was more than a concert; it was the final chapter of an era. Lifelong fans stood shoulder to shoulder with new generations, united in a standing ovation as Sabbath took their final bows. The atmosphere was thick with gratitude, reverence, and the knowledge that something truly legendary had just come to an end.

Backstage, tributes poured in from fellow musicians, many crediting Black Sabbath as the spark that ignited their own journeys. Social media exploded with clips and photos, fans around the world sharing what the night meant to them.

As the last notes faded and the lights dimmed, one truth was undeniable: “Back to the Beginning” was more than a farewell. It was a tribute to Black Sabbath’s enduring legacy—a legacy that will echo in every heavy riff played on every stage, forever.

For Birmingham, for the fans, and for the world of heavy metal, July 5th, 2025, will be remembered as the night the creators of metal returned home, said goodbye, and left behind a legend that will never die.