Ozzy’s Last Ride: Ozzy Osbourne
- Jul 6
- 2 min read
Ozzy’s Last Ride: A Farewell to Remember
On July 5, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for his final concert ever, with Black Sabbath, at Villa Park in Birmingham, their hometown. The event, titled “Back to the Beginning,” featured Ozzy seated on a dramatic bat-themed throne due to his advanced Parkinson’s-impacted mobility.
Who showed up
Roughly 40,000 fans filled Villa Park, with over 5.8 million more watching live around the world. The stage was loaded with rock royalty. Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Halestorm, and more came out to honor Ozzy with explosive performances. Each band brought their own energy and paid tribute through blistering covers. Metallica kicked things off with “Hole in the Sky,” Pantera hit hard with “Planet Caravan,” and Guns N’ Roses unleashed “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” before closing with their own anthems. Surprise guest appearances from legends like Billy Corgan, Steven Tyler, and Sammy Hagar added even more fire to the night. With Jason Momoa hosting and Tom Morello pulling the strings behind the scenes, it was more than a concert, it was a historic farewell fit for the godfather of metal.
The sets
Ozzy’s solo, emotional finale: five signature songs, “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Suicide Solution,” “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” and “Crazy Train”, backed by Zakk Wylde, Mike Inez, Adam Wakeman, and Tommy Clufetos.
Black Sabbath’s final reunion: the original lineup,Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, closed with “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid,” complete with fireworks and confetti.
Why it mattered
This wasn’t just a concert. It was a metal milestone. Critics compared it to a heavy-metal Live Aid: massive, emotional, and unforgettable. For Ozzy and Black Sabbath, it was a full-circle moment, coming home to Birmingham for one final, thunderous farewell in the city where it all began. Despite battling Parkinson’s and performing from a gothic bat-winged throne, Ozzy’s presence was electric. His voice still cut through, his spirit undimmed. The crowd roared with every note, and as confetti rained down and fireworks lit the sky, Ozzy looked out and said, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” his voice full of gratitude and grit. It wasn’t just the end of a show. It was the end of an era, and every person there felt it.
Giving back
The event wasn’t just epic, it was charitable. Proceeds will be donated to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice . Executive producer Tom Morello called it "the greatest day in the history of heavy metal", a tribute worthy of the genre’s founding fathers.
Bottom line
Ozzy’s final ride wasn’t a quiet exit, it was a full-throttle celebration of his legacy. Bat throne and all, closing one of rock’s most iconic chapters with grace, grit, and gratitude.
Thank you Ozzy Osbourne
