BIRMINGHAM, England — Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for what has been heralded as his final performance, bringing down the curtain on an iconic career alongside his original Black Sabbath bandmates. The event, called “Back to the Beginning,” marked a momentous reunion as Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward, and guitarist Tony Iommi played together for the first time in two decades.
Fans gathered in droves at the venue to witness the groundbreaking moment. Osbourne, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020, performed while sitting in a throne-like chair adorned with a bat—a nod to his notorious stage persona. Before launching into the band’s legendary hit “Paranoid,” he expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters. “Your continued support has allowed us to live the lifestyle we cherish. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. We love you,” he told the audience.
The set included beloved classics such as “Iron Man,” “N.I.B.,” and “War Pigs.” Earlier in the evening, Osbourne showcased his solo work with performances of tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” The electrifying concert was hosted by actor Jason Momoa, with proceeds benefitting charities including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
The star-studded event also featured performances from heavyweights in the rock scene, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Alice in Chains. Special guests made notable appearances throughout the night, adding an extra layer of excitement. Among them were Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, and Blink-182’s Travis Barker. In a surprise moment, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler joined the festivities to perform “Whole Lotta Love” with Morello.
Formed in Birmingham in 1968, Black Sabbath is widely acknowledged as a pioneering force in heavy metal music. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and has earned two Grammy awards, solidifying their status as legends. Their farewell tour, aptly named The End Tour, concluded in 2017, but rumors of a reunion persisted until the announcement of the Back to the Beginning show earlier this year.
The evening served not only as a farewell but as a reunion steeped in emotional resonance. Following his admission about Parkinson’s, Osbourne spoke candidly about the importance of having his fans by his side. “I feel better now that I’ve owned up to the fact that I have a case of Parkinson’s. I just hope my fans hang on and are there for me because I need them,” he shared in a previous interview.
As the final notes of Black Sabbath’s groundbreaking music echoed over Birmingham, a new chapter for both Osbourne and his fans began. The journey of a beloved artist comes to a close on this historic night, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations.