Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s “Back to the Beginning” was more than a concert—it was a monumental homecoming and a thunderous farewell to the architects of heavy metal. Held at Birmingham’s Villa Park, the event marked the first time in two decades that the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—shared the stage, making it a historic night for both the band and their fans. The atmosphere was electric as 40,000 fans and millions more streaming worldwide witnessed a spectacle that united the genre’s biggest icons, from Metallica and Guns N’ Roses to Slayer and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, all paying tribute to the godfathers of metal.

The day-long festival was a masterclass in showmanship and emotion. Ozzy Osbourne, battling Parkinson’s disease, made a dramatic entrance, rising from beneath the stage on a black throne adorned with a bat and crystal-eyed skulls. Dressed in black leather, he launched into solo classics like “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “Crazy Train,” his energy undiminished by years of health struggles. The crowd roared as Ozzy, clearly moved, thanked them for their unwavering support, declaring, “It’s so good to be on this f***ing stage, you have no idea.” The emotional weight of the night was palpable, especially during “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” as Ozzy reflected on his journey and resilience.

The all-star lineup delivered a relentless barrage of Sabbath covers and original hits, with supergroups featuring members of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faith No More, and more, all under the musical direction of Tom Morello. Video tributes from legends like Billy Idol, Dolly Parton, and AC/DC added to the sense of occasion, while Jason Momoa’s enthusiastic hosting brought a playful energy to the proceedings. The revolving stage allowed for seamless transitions, keeping the momentum high and the audience enthralled throughout the marathon event.

As the night reached its climax, Black Sabbath took the stage, bathed in crimson lights and storm effects reminiscent of their 1970 debut. The band powered through “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid,” sounding as formidable as ever. Fireworks exploded overhead as the final notes rang out, and a cake was presented to Ozzy, who beamed with gratitude. The event was not just a farewell, but a celebration of the darkness and innovation that Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne unleashed upon the world, leaving an indelible mark on music history.