Back to the Beginning: A Night of Glory, Grit, and Guitar Gods at Ozzy & Black Sabbath’s Monumental Celebration It was a ceremonial torch-passing, a massive gathering of….
Last night wasn’t just a concert—it was an epic heavy metal pilgrimage, a thunderous celebration of Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, and the legacy they built from the dark corners of Birmingham to the ends of the earth. “Back to the Beginning” was more than a show. It was a ceremonial torch-passing, a massive gathering of metal’s brightest stars—and not everyone came out unscathed.
The night opened with a barrage of tributes, collaborations, and covers that captured the diversity and passion of the genre Sabbath helped create. Among the standout performances, Lzzy Hale’s blistering cover of “Perry Mason” turned heads and raised horns. Her powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence weren’t just impressive—they were seismic. Backed by a roaring band, she breathed fire into a track that’s often underappreciated in the Osbourne catalog. Simply put: she killed it.
However, not every act was in perfect form. Lamb of God’s set was ferocious, but plagued by noticeable tuning issues that dulled the edge of their usually razor-sharp sound. Still, their energy and aggression helped keep the crowd charged.
One of the night’s most heartwarming moments came with the return of Jake E. Lee, whose presence sparked cheers from Sabbath loyalists and ‘80s metalheads alike. His guitar tone was rich and soaring, evoking the magic of Bark at the Moon days. Yet the moment wasn’t without its flaws—David Draiman (Disturbed) took the mic for “Shot in the Dark,” but his rushed vocal pacing clashed with Jake’s more measured groove, creating a mismatch that disrupted what could’ve been a highlight.
If there was a true MVP of the night, it was without question Nuno Bettencourt. The Extreme guitarist delivered a jaw-dropping performance, weaving dazzling solos and intricate harmonies into every track he touched. Nuno didn’t just play—he owned the stage, showing a new generation of fans exactly why he’s a guitarist’s guitarist. From precision to passion, his presence elevated every moment he was part of.
Then came one of the evening’s biggest surprises: Pantera, reunited and revitalized, stunned the arena with not one but two Sabbath covers. Their renditions were heavy, faithful, and brutal in all the right ways—an unexpected tribute that resonated deeply with longtime fans. It was a thunderous reminder that Pantera’s raw power hasn’t diminished.
Slayer, who officially retired in 2019, reminded everyone why that might’ve been a mistake. Their set was a scorching barrage of old-school thrash and flawless execution. The energy was undeniable; the riffs hit like warhammers. For a band that supposedly hung up their boots, Slayer sounded more alive than ever.
Metallica, undoubtedly the wealthiest metal band on the planet, brought arena-sized power and gravitas—but surprisingly, they faltered in the fundamentals. Their guitar work suffered from glaring tuning issues, and the sloppiness stood out in contrast to the surrounding talent. For a band of their stature, the lapses were noticeable and disappointing.
Then came the moment everyone’s still talking about—for better or worse. Axl Rose took the stage to perform “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” The result? A train wreck. Axl’s voice, once iconic, sounded like someone doing karaoke after a few too many drinks, unfamiliar with the song’s pacing or spirit. It was jarring and pulled many fans out of the immersive atmosphere.
Thankfully, redemption wasn’t far behind. French metal titans Gojira hit the stage like a tidal wave. Tight, technical, and terrifying in the best way, Gojira delivered a masterclass in modern metal. Their chemistry was flawless, their message powerful, and their performance absolutely spellbinding. In a lineup brimming with legends, they carved out a space for themselves as the genre’s future.
In the end, “Back to the Beginning” was exactly what it needed to be—flawed, emotional, electric, and unforgettable. It wasn’t perfect. But then again, neither is metal. That’s the point. The night paid homage to the darkness, the danger, and the beauty of a genre built on rebellion. And through it all, Ozzy watched from his throne—a tired king, yes, but still our king—smiling as the world he helped create roared back in gratitude.
Long live the Prince of Darkness. And long live metal.
