When Black Sabbath took the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham on 5 July 2025, the atmosphere was electric. This wasn’t just another concert – it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. For the first time in two decades, the original lineup reunited. Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward returned to their hometown for a historic farewell, playing to 45,000 ecstatic fans while 5.8 million more tuned in via livestream around the world.
A Heavy Metal Celebration for the Ages
The event, dubbed Back to the Beginning, was a full-scale celebration of the band’s legacy. Curated by Tom Morello, the night brought together a jaw-dropping lineup of heavy hitters: Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera and Halestorm, each taking on Sabbath’s greatest hits in their own style.
There were some unexpected showstoppers too. Yungblud’s emotional rendition of “Changes” caught many off guard, while Lzzy Hale’s powerhouse vocals were a highlight for many, showcasing the wide influence Sabbath has had across generations and genres.
Ozzy’s Defiant Return
Despite his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s, Ozzy Osbourne showed once again why he remains a rock icon. Seated on a custom-built gothic throne decked out with skulls and bat wings, he tore through solo staples like “Mr. Crowley” and “Crazy Train” with unwavering spirit.
Then came the moment fans had been waiting for – the full original lineup reunited for a blistering run through “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.” The raw power and emotion onstage felt like a circle completing itself – a band returning to where it all began, to finish the journey together.
Giving Back to Birmingham
The concert wasn’t just a celebration of heavy music – it was also a massive charitable success. The show raised £140 million for charity, supporting causes including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
The city of Birmingham embraced the moment with open arms. Local tributes included a series of street murals, exhibitions honouring the band’s legacy, and even a litter of police puppies named after the members – a fittingly quirky tribute for the band that once terrified the establishment.
The End of the Beginning
As the final notes echoed through the air, the sense of finality hit hard. This was not just a concert – it was the end of an era. But Black Sabbath’s legacy won’t fade quietly. From the thundering riffs to the cultural ripples they’ve left behind, their influence on music is permanent.
For Australian fans who stayed up into the early hours to catch the livestream, and for anyone who’s ever cranked “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” through the speakers, Back to the Beginning wasn’t a goodbye – it was a reminder of just how deeply Black Sabbath changed the game. And we were lucky enough to witness it.
