Ozzy Osbourne has looked ahead to his farewell show with Black Sabbath on July 5th at Villa Park in Birmingham, confirming it will be the final time that he takes to the stage.
In a poignant and emotional announcement, Ozzy Osbourne has confirmed that his upcoming concert on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham will be his final-ever performance on stage. The show, fittingly titled “Back to the Beginning,” brings Ozzy full circle—returning to the city where it all began, and sharing one last moment with the band that defined heavy metal itself: Black Sabbath.
A Homecoming at Villa Park
Located just miles from Ozzy’s childhood neighborhood of Aston, Villa Park holds deep significance. Originally built for football, the stadium is being transformed for one night into a colossal celebration of metal history. Ozzy, now 76 and living with Parkinson’s disease, makes it clear this isn’t a comeback—it’s a heartfelt farewell.
“It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” Ozzy said during the February announcement, quoted on the official Black Sabbath site (ozzy.com, thesun.co.uk).
A Reunion 20 Years in the Making
“Back to the Beginning” also marks the first time in 20 years that the original Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—will be reunited on stage (en.wikipedia.org). With Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) as the musical director, the show promises to deliver Sabbath classics with renewed energy and emotional weight.
Ozzy’s Determination and Health Battle
Despite significant physical hurdles—including a debilitating fall in 2019 and a longstanding Parkinson’s diagnosis—Ozzy is determined to make his final appearance a powerful one.
Speaking on SiriusXM’s Ozzy Speaks, he affirmed: “I’m giving 120%. If my God wants me to do the show, I’ll do it,” describing his rigorous preparation with trainers and vocal coaches (people.com). He emphasized that he won’t perform a full set but will instead deliver “little bits and pieces” of Black Sabbath songs (people.com).
In an interview with Mojo, Ozzy candidly stated: “You’ve got to know when to call it quits.” He added, “After this show, I’m going home, closing the door and will look back upon the great career I’ve had. But I’m done, done, done.” (mojo4music.com).
A Star-Studded Metal Spectacle
“Back to the Beginning” isn’t just Sabbath playing the hits—it’s a star-studded, day-long metal celebration. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon will each deliver sets (discover.ticketmaster.co.uk). In addition, a supergroup featuring Slash, Billy Corgan, Jonathan Davis, Fred Durst, muscled together under Morello’s direction, will perform collaborative tributes (pitchfork.com).
For A Greater Cause
This historic event isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s also a charitable endeavor. All profits from the night will support three meaningful causes: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice (ozzy.com).
Family and Fans: The Heart Behind the Show
Ozzy’s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, is the driving force behind the farewell concert. She revealed that the concept came from a desire to give Ozzy “a reason to get up in the morning” amid his ongoing health battles (people.com). Ozzy supports her sentiments: “I don’t want to die in a hotel room somewhere,” he said, expressing a fresh resolve to spend his remaining years at home with family (nypost.com).
A Rock Legend’s Final Bow
Having formally retired from large-scale touring in 2023, Ozzy had previously canceled shows due to injury and illness. Back to the Beginning signals not a return but a retirement—a “full stop,” as Sharon described (pitchfork.com). With tears, roaring guitars, and a final embrace of the city he grew up in, Ozzy and Black Sabbath will deliver what fans hope will be an epic assay to close out a 57-year legacy (mojo4music.com).
Tickets and Attendance
The concert sold out within minutes when announced in February, with VIP packages and livestream viewing options offered through major platforms (en.wikipedia.org). Those attending Villa Park on July 5 can expect a night of nostalgia, celebration, and reverence for the man known as the Prince of Darkness, and the band that helped create a universal language of metal.
Closing Thoughts
For rock fans around the globe, seeing Ozzy Osbourne deliver his final stage appearance in Birmingham, surrounded by his original bandmates and metal royalty, is nothing short of historic. It’s a moment that blends loss with celebration—an unforgettable tribute to a legend who refused to fade quietly. As Ozzy himself reflected: “I used to be nervous. Now I’m just grateful and proud.” (mojo4music.com)
On July 5th, 2025, in the city where it all began, Ozzy Osbourne will take one last bow. And though the lights may dim, his voice will echo — across memory, music, and the heart of metal itself