Over the last weekend, Black Sabbath played their last show to the world, Back to the Beginning. The unforgettable show was filled with a star-studded lineup of Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and many others to support the band that paved the way for heavy rock. Held in their hometown of Birmingham, the event served as a tribute and respectful farewell to the place that gave Black Sabbath their start. As Ozzy Osbourne took the stage one last time, fans from across the globe and across generations watched on as they celebrated nearly 60 years of darkness.
Back to How Black Sabbath Became Legends
Black Sabbath originally formed in 1968 in Birmingham, England, as a heavy blues rock band. The band were determined to create a new kind of sound that embraced the occult, and the darkness surrounding it. They did, with frontman Ozzy Osbourne becoming the Prince of Darkness in pop culture. Not only did Black Sabbath forge a new sound, but a new movement that laid the foundations for heavy rock and what would later become metal. Their heavy riffs, tuned-down guitars, and intense look paved the way for bands like Iron Maiden and Slipknot with their dedication to the unconventional, and ultimately themselves.
The Back To The Beginning show felt like a true full-circle moment for the band. After years of break-ups, reunions, and two prior declarations of last shows, this third promise of a final performance feels conclusive. Osbourne declared that to the audience, but teased that it wouldn’t be a full departure from music, leaving fans hopeful at the prospect of new releases. Ozzy Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020, leading to a series of canceled shows in 2023, so it feels right to go out on a high while his health is on his side.
He gave strong energy on the stage, fueled by the surroundings of his hometown. It’s highly commendable for Black Sabbath to go back to their roots, as well as bring a huge lineup to support them throughout the day. The legends are still proud Birmingham boys, and their native city brought out their natural wildness on stage.
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The Farewell Concert Was Filled With Rock Legends
The energy of Back To The Beginning was shockingly high. 40,000 fans from all over the globe gathered in Villa Park, and 5.8 million streamers tuned into what has been dubbed “metal’s Live Aid.” This sentiment is solidified by the £140 million proceeds from the show that will be donated to local charities and Cure Parkinson’s. The show really was a once-in-a-lifetime event, with an insane lineup of metal and heavy rock’s finest acts.
The show had appearances by legends. Guns N’ Roses delivered their raw, energetic rebellion to the stage to perform a blended set of Black Sabbath songs alongside their own. Metallica brought their notorious ferocity, pleasing the metal heads in the audience. In addition to the iconic bands, there were long sets made up of individual figures to form super-groups, proper Band-Aid style. One of these vocalists was Yungblud. The star notoriously blends heavy rock with elements of hip-hop to result in a contemporary take on the rebellious sound. His involvement in the show was a smart move, showing how Black Sabbath’s legacy is strong not only among their fans but also actively in the industry. Another favorite moment was a rendition of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo song, “Mr. Crowley,” which was sung by Jack Black. Black’s love of Black Sabbath is genuinely heartwarming, and he made sure to give the band their flowers in the classroom scenes of his iconic movie, School of Rock.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Ozzy Osbourne took to the stage one final time, fully channeling the Prince of Darkness with his signature dark eye makeup and leather get-up. Even if he was performing from a seated position, he was rightly seated on a throne made for the stage. He gave the crowd a solo set, delivering fan favorites, but the real moment of the night arrived just after. For the first time in 20 years, the original lineup of Black Sabbath took to the stage. Tommy Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler joined Osbourne to play out “Ironman” and “Paranoid” for the final time. After half a century of recording, touring, and breaking off from one another, the band’s chemistry was impressive, and a reminder of why Black Sabbath are legends.
Black Sabbath have played their final gig, but what a way to finish. The icons used their legendary status to bring the best of metal to their hometown, reciprocating the love and opportunity the city once gave them. They showed that the true meaning of darkness is to show love. They performed in Birmingham because they love it, they gave the proceeds to charity because they love performing, and they made live streaming available because they love their fans. It was a truly classy send-off, taking full advantage of the immense legacy they have left in the world of heavy rock.