Jump to content

Back to the Beginning

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Back to the Beginning
Farewell concert by Black Sabbath
Promotional poster
LocationAston, Birmingham, England
VenueVilla Park
Date(s)5 July 2025 (2025-07-05)
Attendance40,000
Websitebacktothebeginning.com Edit this at Wikidata
Black Sabbath concert chronology

Back to the Beginning was a concert by the English rock band Black Sabbath, with a number of supporting artists. It took place on 5 July 2025 at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, England, very near where the band was formed in 1968.

The event concluded with the final live performances of both the band and lead singer Ozzy Osbourne; it also marked the first time since 2005 that the original line-up of the band (Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward) had performed together live. Osbourne, no longer able to walk due to advanced Parkinson's disease, sang while seated on a throne.

The widely-lauded concert was streamed worldwide via pay per view with a broadcast delay. It featured an all-star lineup of supporting acts, including two supergroups of musicians serving as the house band. Proceeds from the event totaled £140 million, and will be donated to charity.

Background

[edit]
The Crown in Birmingham, where Black Sabbath played their first show

Black Sabbath were formed in Aston, Birmingham, in 1968 by Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward, who grew up within a short distance of each other, and of Villa Park, in the distinct.[1] The band developed a style that came to be known as heavy metal and achieved worldwide success, selling over 75 million albums.[2]

Osborne left in 1979 and enjoyed a fruitful solo career, but occasionally reunited with the band.[3] The original line-up last performed together at Ozzfest 2005.[3] The band's previous last concert was at Genting Arena in 2017 as part of The End Tour, but with Tommy Clufetos replacing Bill Ward as drummer.[4][5]

Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in February 2019, and suffered spinal damage from a fall that same year.[6][7] He rarely performed in the years after, but in August 2022 made a surprise appearance with Iommi to close the Commonwealth Games at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.[1] By early 2025, he had lost his ability to walk due to Parkinson's.[8]

Black Sabbath and Osbourne's farewell charity concert was announced by Osbourne's wife Sharon Osbourne on 5 February 2025.[3] The name "Back to the Beginning" referred to the band's formation in Birmingham, as Osbourne insisted on staging one final performance to "give back to the place where I was born".[9]

Production

[edit]
Tom Morello, musical director

Tom Morello served as musical director for the concert, which took place on 5 July 2025 at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, England.[10][11] Morello's stated intention was to make it the "greatest heavy metal show ever".[10] He compared it to the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in scope, and was grateful that all members of Black Sabbath were alive to enjoy the production.[12] Promoter Andy Copping of Live Nation spent two years working to put the show together.[13]

Tickets for the concert sold out in 16 minutes.[14] The entire event was streamed online via pay per view, with a two-hour broadcast delay.[15] The broadcast peaked at 5.8 million concurrent streams, with a crowd of 40,000 attending the event in person.[16] Pubs advertising watch parties were forced to cancel after producer Kiswe threatened legal action if they did not purchase an expensive commercial license.[17]

The event used a revolving stage to quickly transition between musical acts, a concept used in 1985 for the London portion of Live Aid.[18][19]

Overall, the concert raised £140 million for charity, which will be divided equally between Acorns Children's Hospice, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Cure Parkinson's.[20][21]

[edit]
Black Sabbath receiving their Freedom of the City medals at Birmingham Council House, 28 June 2025

One week before the concert, the four original band members were made Freemen of the City of Birmingham.[2]

To coincide with the concert, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery launched its "Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero" exhibition, running from 25 June to 28 September, displaying his awards, memorabilia and photographs.[22]

A mural depicting the band was painted by artist Mr Murals outside Birmingham New Street railway station on Navigation Street, and completed in the days before the concert.[23] It was visited and signed by the four band members on 29 June 2025.[24]

West Midlands Police named a litter of seven "Sprocker Spaniel" police dog puppies Ozzy, Toni, Geezer, Billie, Sabbath, Wizard and Sharon.[25]

Legoland Discovery Centre within Birmingham's Utilita Arena created a Lego replica of the band to commemorate the occasion.[26]

An estimated 300,000 tourists came to the region for the show and other events that same weekend, netting the West Midlands economy £20 million.[27] Those events included ELO performing two farewell concerts of their own at Utilita Arena as part of The Over and Out Tour.[28][29]

Concert synopsis

[edit]

The concert lasted ten hours, beginning at 13:00 BST (12:00 UTC) and running through the local curfew of 23:00 BST.[30] Sid Wilson performed a preshow DJ set while fans entered the stadium.[31] Jason Momoa, who starred in an unreleased music video for Ozzy Osbourne's "Scary Little Green Men", hosted the all-day event.[32] The concert featured fourteen supporting acts, including two supergroups with various musicians and guest vocalists.[33] The supporting acts played sets that mixed covers of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne songs with those from their own catalogues.[33] A drum-off was held between multiple drummers at the mid-point of the show.[33] Video tributes were aired between sets from artists who could not make the event, including AC/DC, Def Leppard, Billy Idol, Elton John, Cyndi Lauper, Marilyn Manson and Dolly Parton.[33] Prerecorded performances were also aired, including "Mr. Crowley" by Jack Black and "Changes" by Fred Durst.[34][35] Ozzy Osbourne played the penultimate set with his solo band, and then joined Black Sabbath to close the show.[33]

Performances

[edit]

The running order and songs performed:[33]

  1. Mastodon – "Black Tongue", "Blood and Thunder", "Supernaut" (ft. Danny Carey, Eloy Casagrande, Mario Duplantier)
  2. Rival Sons – "Do Your Worst", "Electric Funeral", "Secret"
  3. Anthrax – "Indians", "Into the Void"
  4. Halestorm – "Love Bites (So Do I)", "Rain Your Blood On Me", "Perry Mason"
  5. Lamb of God – "Laid to Rest", "Redneck", "Children of the Grave"
  6. Supergroup A:
  7. Jack Black – "Mr. Crowley" (ft. Revel Ian, Roman Morello, Yoyoka Soma, Hugo Weiss) – prerecorded
  8. Alice in Chains – "Man in the Box", "Would?", "Fairies Wear Boots"
  9. Gojira – "Stranded", "Silvera", "Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)" (ft. Marina Viotti), "Under the Sun"
  10. Drum-off – "Symptom of the Universe" (ft. Travis Barker, Carey, Chad Smith)
  11. Supergroup B:
  12. Pantera – "Cowboys from Hell", "Walk", "Planet Caravan", "Electric Funeral"
  13. Tool – "Forty Six & 2", "Hand of Doom", "Ænema"
  14. Slayer – "Disciple", "War Ensemble", "Wicked World", "South of Heaven", "Raining Blood", "Angel of Death"
  15. Fred Durst – "Changes" – prerecorded
  16. Guns N' Roses – "It's Alright", "Never Say Die", "Junior's Eyes", "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath", "Welcome to the Jungle", "Paradise City"
  17. Metallica – "Hole in the Sky", "Creeping Death", "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Johnny Blade", "Battery", "Master of Puppets"
  18. Ozzy Osbourne – "I Don't Know", "Mr. Crowley", "Suicide Solution", "Mama, I'm Coming Home", "Crazy Train" (ft. Tommy Clufetos, Mike Inez, Wakeman, Zakk Wylde)
  19. Black Sabbath – "War Pigs", "N.I.B.", "Iron Man", "Paranoid"

Reception

[edit]
Yungblud, whose cover of "Changes" was widely praised

Mark Beaumont of The Independent rated the show five stars out of a possible five.[36] Yungblud's cover of "Changes" stole the first half of the show, according to Beaumont.[36]

Rhys Buchanan of Rolling Stone rated the show five stars out of a possible five.[37] Buchanan said Yungblud's performance, which he dedicated to Diogo Jota, "stopped the stadium in its tracks".[37]

Michael Hann of The Guardian rated the event four stars out of a possible five.[16] He singled out the performances of Black Sabbath, Gojira, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, and Yungblud as highlights of the show.[16]

David Draiman's appearance was met by jeers from the crowd, which was attributed to his political views in support of the Israel Defense Forces.[38] He had also leaked the show's run sheet online the day before the event.[39]

The decision to air a video tribute by Marilyn Manson was criticized, as the artist had recently cancelled a gig at Brighton Centre after local backlash to his sexual assault allegations.[40]

Cancelled acts

[edit]
Judas Priest, who released a cover of "War Pigs" to commemorate the event

Judas Priest were invited to participate, but were unavailable as they were scheduled to be opening for Scorpions' 60th anniversary concert in Hanover, Germany the same night.[41] They released a cover of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" the week of the show to honor the band.[42]

Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush were originally supposed to perform, but had to back out after "other things came up".[43] Wolfgang Van Halen was originally advertised for the event, but pulled out as his band Mammoth was opening for Creed in the United States, and the travel would not have been logistically possible.[44]

The surviving members of Soundgarden (Matt Cameron, Ben Shepherd and Kim Thayil) were advertised for the concert, but did not appear for unknown reasons.[45][33] Jonathan Davis of Korn was advertised as a performer, but only appeared in a prerecorded video tribute.[33][46]

Sharon Osbourne removed an unnamed band from the show after they demanded payment for appearing, and vowed to reveal their identity after the event concluded.[47] None of the acts on the bill were paid, only receiving reimbursement for their travel expenses.[48]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Black Sabbath at Villa Park in Birmingham: All you need to know". BBC News. 25 June 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Black Sabbath awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham". Birmingham City Council. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Sharon Osbourne announces Ozzy's final show: 'This is his full stop'". BBC. 5 February 2025. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
  4. ^ "Ozzy expects to 'shed a few tears' at Black Sabbath farewell show". BBC. 10 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Black Sabbath To Bring 'The End' Tour To The UK And Ireland". Stereoboard.com. 10 June 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  6. ^ "Ozzy Osbourne reveals Parkinson's diagnosis". BBC News. 21 January 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  7. ^ "Ozzy Osbourne cancels 2023 European tour dates, cites injury". Associated Press. 1 February 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  8. ^ "Ozzy Osbourne Says He "Can't Walk" Due to Parkinson's Disease Ahead of Black Sabbath Reunion Show". The Hollywood Reporter. 6 February 2025. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
  9. ^ Garner, Emily (5 February 2025). "Black Sabbath announce colossal final show with Ozzy at Villa Park". Kerrang!. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  10. ^ a b Keates, Emma (5 February 2025). "Tom Morello to direct all-star send off for Black Sabbath". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 6 February 2025.
  11. ^ Aswad, Jem (5 February 2025). "Black Sabbath Announces 'Final' Concert, 'Back to the Beginning,' With Metallica, Slayer and More". Variety. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  12. ^ Koe, Crystal (1 July 2025). ""They weren't alive to be there to play and to enjoy it" Tom Morello compares Black Sabbath farewell gig to Freddie Mercury and Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts". Guitar.com. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  13. ^ Ruskell, Nick (4 July 2025). ""The spirit of it is so pure": Inside Ozzy's spectacular homecoming". Kerrang!. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  14. ^ Kennelty, Greg (14 February 2025). "BLACK SABBATH's Final Show Sells Out In 16 Minutes, Everyone Predictably Pissed Off". Metal Injection. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  15. ^ Kreps, Daniel (18 June 2025). "Ozzy Osbourne's Back to the Beginning Farewell Concert to Livestream for Global Audience". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  16. ^ a b c Hann, Michael (5 July 2025). "Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne: Back to the Beginning review – epic all-star farewell to the gods of metal". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  17. ^ Bosley, Kirsty (3 July 2025). "The 'horrible decision' Birmingham bars face as they cancel events this weekend". Birmingham Live. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  18. ^ Colothan, Scott (19 June 2025). "Black Sabbath's final concert to feature 'two or three' surprise acts and a revolving stage". Planet Rock. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  19. ^ Snow, Mat (11 June 2025). "Queen At Live Aid: "Bob Geldof said Queen shouldn't play..."". Mojo. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  20. ^ Esparza, Gabriel S. (6 July 2025). "Villa Park hosts 'Back to the Beginning' for Ozzy Osbourne's final performance". Claret Villans. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  21. ^ Gonzales, Ramon (5 February 2025). "Black Sabbath Reunites for Ozzy's Final Show Ever". Knotfest. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  22. ^ "Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero". Birmingham Museums. 2 July 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  23. ^ "New Black Sabbath Street Art to rock Birmingham's Navigation Street". Visit Birmingham. 27 May 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  24. ^ Benton, Charlotte (29 June 2025). "Surprise gift for artist as Ozzy and Black Sabbath visit Birmingham mural". BBC News. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  25. ^ Fofana, Aida (3 July 2025). "Black Sabbath inspires West Midlands Police puppy names". BBC News. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  26. ^ Dunworth, Liberty (3 July 2025). "Here's Black Sabbath celebrated in LEGO ahead of final show". NME. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  27. ^ Thandi, Gurdip (30 June 2025). "Black Sabbath's Birmingham farewell and 'super weekend' set to net region £20m". Birmingham Live. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  28. ^ Nissim, Mayer (4 June 2025). "Jeff Lynne's ELO announce their final ever show: Venue, date and full ticket details". Gold Radio. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  29. ^ Bosley, Kirsty (2 July 2025). "The forgotten ELO attraction to visit before Jeff Lynne's gigs at Utilita Arena". Birmingham Live. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  30. ^ "Black Sabbath Back To The Beginning live stream price, tickets and merch". Aston Villa Football Club. 2 July 2025. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  31. ^ Colothan, Scott (6 July 2025). "Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne's Back to the Beginning – see the 68-song setlist and photos". Planet Rock. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  32. ^ Mills, Matt (8 April 2025). ""I was begging for tickets, now I turn out to be hosting": Jason Momoa reveals how he got the job compering Black Sabbath's final show". Louder. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h Childers, Chad (5 July 2025). "All of the Ozzy Osbourne + Black Sabbath 'Back to the Beginning' Farewell Concert Setlists". Loudwire. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  34. ^ Archer-Fox, Megan (5 July 2025). "Jack Black makes surprise live appearance at Tenacious D show". Yahoo News. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  35. ^ Ambrosio, Isabella (5 July 2025). "FRED DURST Sings "Changes" In Emotional Tribute to BLACK SABBATH". Metal Injection. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  36. ^ a b Beaumont, Mark (5 July 2025). "Black Sabbath: Back to the Beginning review: Ozzy Osbourne's farewell show was less Live Aid, more Loud Aid". The Independent. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  37. ^ a b Buchanan, Rhys (6 July 2025). "Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's Back To The Beginning review: An earth-shaking farewell". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  38. ^ Ambrosio, Isabella (5 July 2025). "DAVID DRAIMAN Booed During Back To The Beginning Appearance". Metal Injection. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  39. ^ "Set Times Reveled For Tomorrow's 'Back To The Beginning' Concert". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 4 July 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  40. ^ O'Connor, Roisin (5 July 2025). "Black Sabbath fans slam 'disgraceful' Marilyn Manson appearance during farewell show". The Independent. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
  41. ^ Mills, Matt (8 May 2025). "Judas Priest's Rob Halford is "gutted" to not be playing Black Sabbath's final show: "I had no idea it was happening!"". Louder. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  42. ^ Jones, Damian (2 July 2025). "Judas Priest "show their love" for Black Sabbath with faithful cover of 'War Pigs' ahead of final show". NME. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  43. ^ Armstrong, Chuck (14 March 2025). "As Alex Lifeson Celebrates New Album With Envy of None, He Says He Was Almost Part of Ozzy's Last Show". Loudwire. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
  44. ^ Koe, Crystal (26 June 2025). ""I wouldn't be able to pull it off": Wolfgang Van Halen backs out of Black Sabbath farewell concert". Guitar.com. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  45. ^ Childers, Chad (2 May 2025). "Two Huge Artists Added to Ozzy + Black Sabbath's Farewell Concert". Loudwire. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  46. ^ "Black Sabbath Announce 'Back To The Beginning'". Ozzy Osbourne Official Site. 5 February 2025. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  47. ^ Graff, Gary (3 July 2025). "Black Sabbath's Back to the Beginning Will Be the 'Most Important Day' in Heavy Metal History, Tom Morello Teases". Billboard. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
  48. ^ Doherty, Niall (28 March 2025). "'The biggest show I've worked on': Sharon Osbourne on Black Sabbath's final gig and managing Ozzy". Music Week. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
[edit]
Wikinews has related news:
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Back_to_the_Beginning&oldid=1299184695"