Ozzy Osbourne joins original Black Sabbath members for a heartfelt reunion during his farewell show

Ozzy Osbourne Reunites with Original Black Sabbath Members for Emotional Farewell Performance in Birmingham

In a deeply moving moment for rock and metal fans worldwide, Ozzy Osbourne reunited with the original members of Black Sabbath for what was billed as his final live performance with the legendary band. The landmark concert took place on Saturday in Birmingham, England—the birthplace of Black Sabbath—during a special event titled Back to the Beginning. This gathering marked the first time in two decades that Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward, and guitarist Tony Iommi shared the stage together, creating a powerful farewell chapter in the band’s storied legacy.

The Back to the Beginning concert was promoted as Osbourne’s “farewell performance,” a fitting tribute to a career spanning over five decades and an era-defining influence on heavy metal music. According to Black Sabbath’s official website, this event symbolized the closing of a monumental chapter in rock history. The band’s reunion was met with overwhelming emotion from fans who traveled from around the globe to witness this rare and historic occasion.

During the performance, Osbourne sat on a black, throne-like chair topped with a bat—a dark yet iconic image reflecting his theatrical stage presence and personal battles. Since publicly revealing his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis in 2020, Osbourne has faced health challenges that have only deepened the emotional weight of this farewell. Before launching into the band’s legendary closing track “Paranoid,” he paused to thank his fans with heartfelt sincerity: “Your support over the years has made it all possible for us to live the lifestyle we live. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. We love you.” This touching moment was captured by concert footage circulating widely on social media, underscoring the strong bond between Osbourne and his audience.

The concert’s setlist featured many of Black Sabbath’s greatest hits, including heavy anthems like “Iron Man,” “N.I.B.,” and “War Pigs,” evoking decades of musical innovation that helped define the heavy metal genre. Earlier in the show, Osbourne also performed several of his iconic solo tracks such as “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” showcasing the breadth of his legendary career.

Hosted by actor and rock enthusiast Jason Momoa, the Back to the Beginning event was a star-studded spectacle that extended beyond Osbourne and Black Sabbath. All proceeds from both the live concert and its global livestream were directed toward important charitable causes, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, demonstrating a commitment to giving back amid the celebration.

The concert lineup also featured some of the most influential names in rock and metal music, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Alice in Chains. Additionally, renowned artists such as Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker made special appearances, adding unforgettable moments to the already monumental event. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith joined Morello for a powerful rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” further amplifying the night’s legendary status.

Black Sabbath’s formation in 1968 in Birmingham brought together Osbourne, Butler, Ward, and Iommi to create a band that would pioneer the heavy metal genre and leave an indelible mark on music history. Their pioneering work earned them induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, along with two Grammy Awards recognizing their monumental contributions.

The farewell for Black Sabbath has been gradual, beginning with their The End Tour, which was billed as the band’s final tour and was immortalized in a 2017 concert film. Over the years, speculation and hopes for reunion tours have persisted, making the Back to the Beginning show a momentous and bittersweet occasion for fans and band members alike.

Osbourne has been candid about his Parkinson’s diagnosis and its impact on his life and career. In an interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts, he expressed relief and hope, saying, “I feel better now that I’ve owned up to the fact that I have a case of Parkinson’s. And I just hope [my fans] hang on and they’re there for me because I need them.” His openness has inspired fans worldwide, adding another layer of poignancy to this farewell concert.

As the lights dimmed and the final chords of “Paranoid” echoed through Truist Park, it was clear that this wasn’t just the end of a performance—it was the closing of a monumental chapter in rock history. Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell with the original Black Sabbath members was more than a concert; it was a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the enduring power of music to unite generations.