Ozzy Osbourne’s Farewell Concert
Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert, titled "Back to the Beginning," took place on Saturday, featuring performances by legends like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. This star-studded event was a tribute to Osbourne and the iconic band Black Sabbath, hosting what is considered their final show in Birmingham, England, at Villa Park.
Metallica’s Tribute
Metallica took to the stage just before the grand finale featuring Osbourne and his bandmates. They started their set with a cover of Black Sabbath’s "Hole in the Sky," originally from the 1975 album Sabotage. The band also honored Osbourne by performing "Johnny Blade" from 1978’s Never Say Die!, with fans capturing exhilarating moments from their set.
Guns N’ Roses Performance
Guns N’ Roses contributed to the tribute by performing four tracks associated with Black Sabbath. They opened with "It’s Alright" from the album Technical Ecstasy, moving on to the powerful "Never Say Die." Additionally, their set included "Junior’s Eyes" from Never Say Die! and the title track from Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, showcasing their deep respect for the heavy metal legends.
An All-Star Lineup
The concert also featured the original members of Black Sabbath—Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Alongside them were performances from other heavyweights like Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, and Alice in Chains. Tom Morello acted as the musical director, coordinating impressive all-star jams that included talents like Steven Tyler and Billy Corgan.
Ozzy’s Reflections
In a heartfelt statement, Osbourne expressed his emotions about this landmark concert, saying, “It’s my time to go back to the beginning … time for me to give back to the place where I was born.” He conveyed his gratitude for the support he received, emphasizing Birmingham’s significance as the "true home of metal."
Support for Charity
The event not only celebrated music but also aimed to raise funds for important causes. Proceeds from "Back to the Beginning" will benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, highlighting Osbourne’s commitment to giving back to the community.
As fans reflect on this monumental event, it raises the question—what is your favorite memory of Ozzy Osbourne or Black Sabbath?
