Heavy Metal Icon Ozzy Osbourne Bids Farewell with Epic Birmingham Show

BIRMINGHAM, England — On July 5, 2025, heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne performed his final live show at Villa Park in his hometown of Birmingham, England, marking the end of an era for the genre he helped pioneer. The sold-out “Back to the Beginning” concert drew over 40,000 fans and featured a historic reunion of Black Sabbath’s original lineup—Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for the first time since 2005.

Osbourne, seated on a bat-adorned throne due to health challenges including Parkinson’s disease and spinal issues, delivered a five-song solo set, including classics like “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” backed by guitarist Zakk Wylde, bassist Mike Inez, keyboardist Adam Wakeman, and drummer Tommy Clufetos. The night culminated with Black Sabbath’s four-song performance, featuring “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid,” closing with fireworks and a heartfelt cake presentation for Osbourne.

The 10-hour event showcased metal giants like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Alice in Chains, paying tribute to Osbourne’s legacy. “You’ve got no idea how I feel,” an emotional Osbourne told the crowd, thanking fans and his wife, Sharon, who organized the event to give him a proper farewell. Daughter Kelly Osbourne later shared on Instagram, “You don’t know what you’ve done for my dad,” calling it one of her life’s most magical experiences.

Despite some fan concerns about Osbourne’s visible frailty, the show was celebrated as a triumphant goodbye, with his vocals resonating strongly. The concert, streamed live, raised funds for Cure Parkinson’s, cementing Osbourne’s enduring impact as the Prince of Darkness.

Written by: Shawn Flaherty of Rock News US/Rock News UK