The Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park has officially kicked off today, July 5, 2025, marking an unforgettable moment in rock history. This farewell gig reunites the original Black Sabbath members—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for one final performance in their hometown of Birmingham. With tens of thousands of fans pouring into the stadium, this isn’t just a concert—it’s a historic full-circle event decades in the making.
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A Triumphant Return to Where It All Began
Villa Park’s gates opened at 11:00 a.m. (BST), unleashing a tidal wave of excitement across Birmingham. The Back to the Beginning concert symbolizes the band’s emotional return to their roots. Ozzy Osbourne, who once stood outside this very venue as a teenager, now takes the stage for his final bow.
Despite battling health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, Ozzy has pushed through to deliver this last performance. Fans and critics alike have praised his determination, calling it a testament to his love for music and his supporters. As he stated before the show, “It’s my final encore—my thank you to everyone who stuck with me.”
Key Highlights of the Concert Day
Here are the latest updates from the Back to the Beginning concert:
- Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
- Gate Opening Time: 11:00 a.m. BST
- Performance Start: 1:00 p.m. BST
- Expected End Time: Between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. BST
- Livestream: Begins globally at 3:00 p.m. BST (10:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT)
This farewell concert features a rotating stage setup, ensuring a seamless flow between acts. Ozzy Osbourne headlines the night, but fans have also enjoyed thrilling performances by legendary rock and metal acts.
All-Star Lineup and Emotional Tributes
The Back to the Beginning concert has attracted an all-star lineup curated by Tom Morello. Performers include:
- Metallica
- Guns N’ Roses
- Slayer
- Pantera
- Tool
- Alice in Chains
- Gojira
- Halestorm
- Anthrax
- Mastodon
The day has also seen surprise collaborations and heartfelt tributes to Black Sabbath’s legacy. With custom visuals, nostalgic stage designs, and rare track performances, this farewell show captures every era of the band’s monumental career.
Charity at the Heart of the Event
Proceeds from the Back to the Beginning concert will go to charities close to Ozzy’s heart, including:
- Cure Parkinson’s
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital
- Acorn Children’s Hospice
This adds a powerful purpose to the celebration. Fans are not just witnessing history—they’re contributing to life-changing causes.
Why This Moment Matters
This concert isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about returning to the place where the heavy metal genre was born. Birmingham’s own Black Sabbath transformed rock forever, and now, with this final concert, they are bringing that journey full circle.
The reunion of the original lineup for one last night is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It’s rare to see such an iconic band close the curtain where it all began. For fans who’ve followed Black Sabbath since 1968, tonight represents closure, celebration, and legacy.
Key Takeaways Summary
- Massive turnout at Villa Park for the legendary farewell
- Black Sabbath original lineup reunited after 20 years
- Livestream available globally with replay access for 48 hours
- All-star performers from across the rock and metal world
- Charity-driven event supporting major health causes
- Emotional night marking the end of an era in heavy metal
What Fans Can Expect Tonight
As the evening continues, fans can look forward to rare tracks, emotional tributes, and powerful performances. The energy in Villa Park is electric, and millions are tuning in worldwide to experience it. From the first riff to the last note, Back to the Beginning concert is delivering a night that will echo through rock history.
Whether you’re watching live, streaming from home, or catching the replay, this is the concert no fan will want to miss. Let the music take you back—because tonight, Black Sabbath goes back to where it all began.
Secure your access to the replay or share your memories online—be part of rock’s final chapter.