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Black Sabbath countdown is on! Anticipation builds for Ozzy Osbourne’s final show as fans cram into Villa Park while legendary rock bands take to the stage… with a few surprise celebrity appearances

BBG News

Enthusiastic Black Sabbath fans filled Villa Park in Birmingham during the Saturday afternoon, eagerly awaiting what would be Ozzy Osbourne’s last performance.

At approximately 8:30 PM, the veteran musician, aged 76, will be gracing the stage for what is likely to be his final live performance with bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. This marks a special occasion as it’s a rare reunion of the original band line-up.

The climactic event unfolds under the shadow of worries regarding Ozzy’s health, given that he has experienced seven operations over the last five years, with a fourth spinal surgery taking place in 2023.

Ozzy Osbourne, who’s been dealing with Parkinson’s disease since 2003, intends to continue making music but will bid adieu to performing live in a heartfelt event that’s coming up.

In the hours leading up to Ozzy’s incredible performance, there was a strong sense of excitement in his hometown. A series of iconic rock bands were set to perform at the Back to The Beginning concert, filling the 42,000-seat stadium to capacity.

During the thrilling concert event, Anthrax, Guns N’ Roses, and Metallica are set to take the stage, with unexpected video greetings from stars like Dolly Parton and Jack Black added to the mix.

Ever since they rocked our world together back in 2005, I’ve been longing for the day when my beloved Black Sabbath would grace the stage once more with their original lineup. And finally, that day has arrived! This Saturday promises to be a historic moment for heavy metal fans all across the globe, as we witness these legends reunite and create music magic again. I can hardly wait!

For more than half a century, following their initial formation under the name ‘Earth’, and after bassist Geezer was inspired by the Boris Karloff horror movie “Black Sabbath”, they have undeniably shown that their devoted followers remain just as loyal as ever.

People who didn’t have tickets were drawn to the event, simply wanting to experience the ambiance and enjoy bands performing Sabbath cover tunes all day long.

Debra Miller, aged 58 and hailing from Indiana but currently residing in Leeds, commented: “I put in a lot of effort trying to secure tickets, but eventually I had to call it quits. However, I still chose to come here to simply immerse myself in the atmosphere.

‘Their work was pioneering, and their songs continue to be impactful. Tunes such as War Pigs and Iron Man remain just as significant today as they were when first released.’

Lucy Seager, a 46-year-old full-time mom residing in Birmingham, expressed: “Although I don’t possess a ticket, it’s possible to listen from this location.

‘Just look at all the people these guys have inspired. They have done absolutely amazing.’

Speaking at the epic gig, one diehard fan also described them as the ‘Beatles of Birmingham’.

Nick, aged 61 and a regular at Villa, commented: “Since everyone here was born nearby, it feels just right that we conclude our journey in this very location.

It seems we underestimate their value. They were the pioneers who created the most significant type of music ever known to humanity.

‘Though they’d never boast about it themselves, they’re akin to the Beatles from Birmingham, and their talents are finally getting recognized.’

His friend Jim, 69, added: ‘They are the most unassuming multi-millionaires you could ever meet.’

A contingent of six enthusiasts flew over from Warsaw, specifically for this event, while Matthew Iyer traveled all the way from Dubai.

As a devotee, let me share a fascinating piece of rock history – before soaring to global fame as an iconic guitarist, I was just like Ozzy, laboring in a butcher’s den. And much like him, the indomitable Tony Iommi, our band’s unwavering force, bid farewell to his days as a sheet metal worker on his last shift, only to lose the tips of two fingers. Yet, nothing could deter him from creating music that continues to inspire generations.

Lucy mentioned, “My parents often played these songs during our caravan trips, and they hold great significance for me.

Tattoo artist Nansi Nansi, 41, from North Wales, paid £270 for her ticket.

She expressed her excitement about seeing everyone gathered together. Her mother introduced me to them when I turned 18, and they have a way of making me feel youthful.

Michael Bernhardt, aged 55 and a German engineer residing in Swindon, shared that he spent £420 to secure a golden circle ticket, ensuring him a prime spot near the stage. For him, Black Sabbath has consistently held an integral place in his life.

‘War Pigs is the greatest anti-war song of them all. They never disappoint.’

Martin and Clare from Tiverton had paid £750 each for their VIP tickets.

‘We are here to celebrate being alive,’ said Martin, 54. ‘We don’t do holidays. We do concerts.’

Clare, aged 51, stated, “This is the initial gathering of the original group. It’s an incredibly unique event. The inspiration they’ve provided is nothing short of amazing.

Jamie Wyton, aged 43 and employed by the children’s charity Acorns in Birmingham, expressed that he would not want to miss this event for anything. He believes that the city is just starting to fully appreciate the legacy these individuals have left behind and honor them as fittingly as they deserve.

‘This city gave birth to Heavy Metal and we should shout about that more.’

In the year 2017, Black Sabbath performed what they labeled as their “farewell concert,” an event that took place without the presence of original drummer Bill Ward. The announcement of this impromptu reunion on stage for a single final performance brought immense joy to their fans.

Prior to his last show, Ozzy shared heartfelt thoughts about the significance of this special moment for him.

He expressed his gratitude by saying, “This is my last performance; it gives me the opportunity to express my thanks to my fans who have stood by me and supported me throughout.

It truly means a lot to me; they’ve proven their kindness by being there for me and the audience. Words fail me, but I’m deeply moved and grateful beyond measure.

‘It’s a goodbye as far as my live performances go, and what a way to go out,’ he added.

Ozzy shared that he wants his fans to feel valued for the significant role they play in his life, and he elaborated on the reasons behind the band’s choice to stage their last-ever concert in Birmingham.

As a native of Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy Osbourne got his start with the band Black Sabbath (then known as Earth) when they played their very first performance at The Crown pub in Birmingham back in 1968.

Under the fitting title “Back To The Beginning,” the concert promises a powerful reunion of Ozzy Osbourne with his original band members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward as they delve into their musical origins.

In that emotional instance, Ozzy expressed: “There was no other place for my last performance than here. I needed to return to where it all began.

As a young, passionate supporter, I vividly recall the magic of Saturdays at Villa Park. We’d gather with friends, eagerly standing at its gates, hoping for a chance to part with a shilling or two, just to catch a glimpse of the cars driving in – the closest we could get to the action on match days.

The concert will be broadcast live two hours following its onset in the arena, starting at 3 pm BST (British Summer Time). This allows Black Sabbath fans worldwide the opportunity to enjoy the show.

Instead, Ozzy mentioned that they hadn’t originally intended to livestream the event. They added it as a bonus, though, because of the immense interest in acquiring tickets, which was simply too great to ignore.

‘We never meant to have a livestream; it wasn’t in our plan,’ he shared.

As a die-hard fan, I couldn’t believe the flood of messages we received, wanting us to attend the show. It felt like an incredible opportunity to share this experience with those who missed out on tickets, giving them a glimpse into the spectacle they otherwise might have missed.

Due to his poor health, Ozzy has expressed uncertainty about whether he should perform while standing or seated following a sequence of spinal surgeries.

Before the performance, the singer underwent rigorous daily health checks, including having his blood pressure taken 15 times every day.

He shared that there’s a personal trainer assisting him in regaining his health. It’s challenging, but he believes the trainer can help him succeed. He’s putting all his effort into it.

‘It’s endurance. The first thing that goes when you’re laid up is your stamina.

I have a heart rate monitor on my finger that I use 15 times a day to check my blood pressure.

In simpler terms, Ozzy promised to give his utmost effort for the last performance, as he has faced several health issues over the past few years.

Though he is stepping back from the stage, Ozzy will keep recording music after his goodbye gig. 

He shared with Metal Hammer magazine: “I continue to find joy in creating my own projects, while also relishing the opportunity to lend my voice to others’ works.

‘In the near term, I plan to continue recording projects that pique my interest as it is significant.’

In the latest album Ozzy Osbourne released in 2022, titled Patient Number 9, there were several well-known musicians who contributed, such as his Black Sabbath bandmate Tony Iommi, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Zakk Wylde, and Mike McCready from Pearl Jam, along with others.

In the early ’70s, Black Sabbath paved the path for heavy metal music with popular songs like War Pigeons (War Pigs), Cautious Shadows (Paranoid) and Iron Titan (Iron Man).

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2025-07-05 21:49

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