On Saturday, July 5, Ozzy Osbourne, The Prince of Darkness, took the stage one last time, laying to rest his 58-year career. 

The final performance, billed as “Back to the Beginning,” featured the original Black Sabbath lineup and a multitude of artists and fellow acts that the pioneers of heavy metal influenced. The show took place at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, the band’s hometown, in front of a crowd of 40,000. 

The concert served as a Black Sabbath reunion, representing the first time the original lineup had come together in two decades. The event was initially set to include rock icons such as Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), and Slash (Guns N’ Roses), but expanded its guest capacity to feature an array of greats who formed specialty all-star groupings. 

Osbourne rose from below the stage, seated on a black, bat-carved throne, and donning his signature shade and leather garments, eyes outlined in pencil liner. “Are you ready? Let the madness begin,” he said, before speaking to the elation of the moment, “It’s good to be on stage. You have no idea.” 

He commenced his stage time by offering a series of five songs from his solo career: “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Suicide Solution,” “Mama I’m Coming Home,” and “Crazy Train,” before Sabbath’s arrival–Tony Iommi (guitarist), Geezer Butler (bassist), Bill Ward (drummer). The ensemble gave weight to four numbers, “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and ultimately, “Paranoid.” 

The concert’s other performers went on to offer tributes, including Metallica, whose lead vocalist, James Hetfield, expressed, “Without Sabbath, there would be no Metallica.” He continued, “Thank you for giving us a purpose in life.” 

During Guns N’ Roses’ arrival, they covered “Never Say Die.” Axel Rose also expressed his gratitude, telling the audience, “Birmingham! Ozzy! Sabbath! Thank you!”

Eventually, Tyler made his grand return, having suffered vocal issues that all but ended his career. The Aerosmith frontman was back to form next to Wood, drummer Travis Barker (Blink-182), and guitarist Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine). In addition to the aforementioned grouping, Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), KK Downing (Judas Priest), and others came together for their tribute. 

The occasion also featured a drum-off, which drew in timekeepers Barker, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Danny Carey (Tool). 

Speaking to BBC News, Sammy Hagar (Van Halen) said: “Everyone looks at them like the kings, and if the kings are going to go out, then we’re going to go honor them.”

Osbourne’s retirement comes after a 2003 Parkinson’s diagnosis, which was publicized in 2020. 

“Back to the Beginning” served a charitable purpose, with profits benefiting Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.