On Saturday night, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath held a momentous farewell concert in their beloved hometown of Birmingham, marking the end of an era with their "Back To The Beginning" extravaganza. This event is believed to be their final performance, drawing in a star-studded lineup from the metal genre, including iconic bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Tool, and Pantera. Notably, Guns N' Roses participated in this legendary gathering, despite their different musical style, adding a unique dynamic to the lineup.
In a heartfelt reflection shared on Twitter, Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose expressed his excitement about the event, revealing that it was his first encounter with Ozzy Osbourne. His tweet read: “Wow!! What an EVENT!! Extremely overwhelming!! Really great crowd!! Was very emotional for everyone!! MET OZZY!! (Crazy we’d never met b4!!)” He praised Ozzy, acknowledging the challenges he faced throughout his career, stating, “HE DID IT!!!!” Axl also conveyed his gratitude to Ozzy, Sharon, Black Sabbath, and all the fans for the unforgettable experience.
In a follow-up Instagram post, Osbourne reciprocated the sentiment, noting, “My first time meeting Axl Rose, at my age you don’t get to meet many legends, seriously an utter gentleman.” This mutual respect highlights the camaraderie within the rock community.
Guns N' Roses' performance at the "Back To The Beginning" concert consisted of a brief six-song set lasting just 25 minutes. They were introduced by actor Jason Momoa and performed without two key members: keyboardist Dizzy Reed and multi-instrumentalist Melissa Reese. This marked a significant moment for the band, as it was their first performance as a five-piece in 35 years. During their set, they honored Black Sabbath by covering several of their classic songs, including “It’s Alright,” “Never Say Die,” “Junior’s Eyes,” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.”
Backstage at the event, Axl Rose had a significant reunion with Metallica frontman James Hetfield. This meeting was particularly noteworthy, as the two bands had a tumultuous history dating back to their infamous 1992 tour, which ended in chaos during a Montreal concert. Hetfield had previously described Guns N' Roses as representing “everything we didn’t like,” but recent interactions suggest that any past animosity has faded, with both bands seeming to enjoy each other's company at events like the Power Trip festival in 2023.
In a fun twist, Future recently donned an Axl Rose-inspired outfit during his performance at Poland’s Open’er Festival, showcasing the enduring influence of rock legends on contemporary artists. Additionally, Axl Rose was spotted supporting BLACKPINK member LISA, further blending the worlds of rock and pop.
As the curtain falls on Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, their legacy continues to resonate within the music industry, reminding fans of the groundbreaking contributions they made to the world of rock and heavy metal.
