“Let the madness begin!” bellowed Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic Prince of Darkness, as he took his place on a throne adorned with bats and skulls in front of a sold-out crowd at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. This highly anticipated event, dubbed the Back to the Beginning concert, marked a significant celebration of not only Osbourne's illustrious career but also the profound legacy of Black Sabbath. The concert took place on Saturday, July 5, amidst a vibrant backdrop of heavy metal festivities that had been captivating Birmingham for weeks.
Birmingham, the proud birthplace of heavy metal, rolled out the purple carpet for its most famous sons. The city's pubs were festooned with purple balloons and flags, while murals celebrating Black Sabbath adorned the streets. Fans, dressed in classic Ozzy attire of battered T-shirts and denim jackets, flooded the city, creating an atmosphere akin to a World Cup final for metal enthusiasts from across the globe. The excitement was palpable as fans gathered around the Black Sabbath Bridge mural, which Osbourne and the band had signed earlier in the week.
Among the fans was one enthusiastic supporter from London, who described his journey as a Sabbath pilgrimage. “I’m going around the city doing all of the sites like The Crown where they played their first ever show,” he shared, highlighting the significance of the locations associated with the band before heading to the historic Villa Park stadium.
Upon arrival at Villa Park, concert-goers were greeted by the sounds of heavy distortion and the sight of a giant inflatable Ozzy overseeing the festivities. Cody Holl, a passionate fan who traveled from Pennsylvania, expressed his excitement: “It’s Black Sabbath’s last Sabbath. I’ve never seen them before and I told myself after that 2017 tour, I’m going no matter what.” This sentiment echoed throughout the stadium as heavy metal royalty took the stage, each act paying homage to Black Sabbath’s indelible influence.
The concert featured an impressive lineup, with performances from renowned bands including Mastodon, Anthrax, and Lamb of God. The latter delivered a powerful cover of “Children of the Grave,” igniting a massive circle pit on the pitch. For those lucky enough to have tickets, the day overflowed with unforgettable moments, making it a challenge to soak in the entire experience.
As the concert progressed, surprises continued to unfold. Yungblud joined forces with other artists for a heartfelt rendition of “Changes,” dedicating the performance to the late Liverpool striker Diogo Jota. “We’d all collectively like to dedicate this next song to Diogo Jota. God bless Black Sabbath and God bless Ozzy Osbourne,” Yungblud passionately declared. The day also featured a thrilling drum-off with Travis Barker, Chad Smith, and Danny Carey, showcasing the camaraderie among these legendary musicians.
As the sun set, Slayer raised the intensity with the day’s most explosive mosh pit, performing classics like “Reign in Blood” and “Angel of Death.” The energy in the stadium was electric as Guns N’ Roses and Metallica took the stage, with Metallica’s James Hetfield offering a heartfelt tribute: “Without Sabbath, there would be no Metallica. Thank you boys for giving us a purpose in life.”
As the night culminated, Ozzy Osbourne finally took the stage, visibly emotional. “It’s so good to be on this fucking stage, you have no idea,” he exclaimed, igniting the crowd with the ominous introduction of “Mr. Crowley.” The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia and significance, as he performed classics like “Mama I’m Coming Home” and “Crazy Train.”
In a poignant moment, Osbourne joined Black Sabbath for a final performance, kicking off with “War Pigs.” As he clutched the microphone stand, tattooed with “OZZY,” he delivered a powerful rendition that brought the audience to their feet. “Go fucking crazy, it’s the last song,” he urged before launching into “Paranoid,” prompting an eruption of excitement from the crowd.
This monumental event not only marked the concluding chapter for Ozzy Osbourne but also served as a celebration of heavy metal itself. The tragic reality of legendary artists often passing before such grand celebrations can occur was overshadowed by the miraculous presence of Osbourne, who took his final bow with his devoted fans. The Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic moment in the world of heavy metal, honoring the legacy of Black Sabbath and the indomitable spirit of Ozzy Osbourne.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Set List:
“I Don’t Know”
“Mr. Crowley”
“Suicide Solution”
“Mama, I’m Coming Home”
“Crazy Train”
Black Sabbath’s Set List:
“War Pigs”
“N.I.B.”
“Iron Man”
“Paranoid”
