Honestly, it still doesn't feel real. For years, we all watched the headlines about Ozzy Osbourne’s health—the surgeries, the Parkinson’s battles, the canceled tours—and we kinda hoped the Prince of Darkness was actually immortal. But on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in his hometown of Birmingham, the legend finally took his final bow. If you’re wondering who played at Ozzy’s last concert, you aren’t just looking for a list of names. You’re looking at a historic "who's who" of rock royalty who showed up to send off the man who basically invented heavy metal.
It wasn't a typical gig. Called the "Back to the Beginning" concert, it was a ten-hour marathon of distortion and nostalgia. Ozzy didn't just have a backing band; he had a small army of disciples.
The Black Sabbath Reunion We Never Thought We’d See
The big news, the thing that had everyone’s heart in their throats, was the original lineup. For the first time in over twenty years, the core four of Black Sabbath stood on the same stage. We’re talking Tony Iommi on guitar, Geezer Butler on bass, and—in a move that surprised everyone given past drama—Bill Ward on the drum throne.
Seeing them together was heavy. Literally.
Iommi’s riffs sounded like they were being carved out of granite. Ozzy, who had to perform mostly from a custom-made, bat-themed throne because of his mobility issues, still had that unmistakable wail. They didn't do a full two-hour set—Ozzy’s health wouldn’t allow it—but the songs they did play felt like a religious experience for the 30,000 people in the stadium.
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The Solo Band Staples
While the Sabbath reunion was the emotional peak, Ozzy’s solo career got its flowers too. His "regular" band for the night featured the guys who have stood by him through the thick of it:
- Zakk Wylde: The man is a beast. He handled the bulk of the guitar duties for the solo material, his signature "bullseye" Gibson squealing through every pinch harmonic.
- Mike Inez: The Alice in Chains bassist (who actually played with Ozzy in the early '90s) stepped in to provide that thick, driving low end.
- Tommy Clufetos: When he wasn't backing the solo set, he was the engine room for much of the night’s percussion.
- Adam Wakeman: Handling keyboards and rhythm guitar, keeping the atmosphere dark and moody.
The Guest List Was Insane
This wasn't just an Ozzy show; it was a festival of respect. Jason Momoa hosted the thing, which gave it this weirdly epic, cinematic vibe. But the actual performers? That’s where it got wild.
Metallica showed up. They didn't just play their own hits; they leaned into the Sabbath influence. Guns N’ Roses took the stage, with Slash looking genuinely humbled to be sharing a bill with the Ozzman. We even saw Steven Tyler and Jack Black—who, in typical Jack Black fashion, did a full-on theatrical recreation of "Mr. Crowley." It was half-tribute, half-madness, and 100% what Ozzy deserved.
One of the coolest moments was a "drum battle" featuring Danny Carey (Tool), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Travis Barker (Blink-182). They tore through a cover of "Symptom of the Universe" that probably registered on local seismographs.
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Virtual Tributes and Boos
Not everyone could be there in the flesh. The big screens flashed messages from Dolly Parton, Elton John, and Billy Idol. However, it wasn't all sunshine. Marilyn Manson appeared virtually, and the Birmingham crowd—not known for hiding their feelings—let out a pretty deafening round of boos. It was a stark reminder of the complicated world of rock, even at a farewell party.
What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Tony Iommi later told reporters that Ozzy was "struggling" during rehearsals. It makes sense. The guy was 76 and had been through the ringer. But Iommi said something that sticks with you: "He really just held out to do that show."
Ozzy knew this was it.
He spent the night thanking the fans, visibly emotional. At one point, he told the crowd, "You have no idea how I feel—thank you from the bottom of my heart." It wasn't a corporate PR script. It was a guy from a working-class neighborhood saying goodbye to the people who made him a god.
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Why the Birmingham Show Was the Only Way to Go
There was talk for years about a Vegas residency or a hologram tour. Thank god those didn't happen as the "final" word. Returning to Birmingham—where it all started in 1968—closed the circle.
The setlist was a journey through the "Back to the Beginning" theme:
- Paranoid (with the full Sabbath lineup)
- Iron Man (abbreviated but crushing)
- Crazy Train (with Zakk Wylde going absolutely nuclear)
- Mama, I'm Coming Home (a massive singalong that left half the stadium in tears)
Seventeen days later, on July 22, 2025, Ozzy passed away.
That makes the Villa Park show more than just a concert. It was a final act of will. He didn't die in a hospital bed wondering "what if." He died having just stood (or sat) before his people, surrounded by the men he started with and the artists he inspired.
Your Ozzy Legacy Checklist
If you want to truly honor the Prince of Darkness after his final performance, here is how you dive back in:
- Watch the "Back to the Beginning" Livestream: If you can find the high-quality archival footage, watch the Sabbath reunion segment specifically. The chemistry between Iommi and Ozzy, even at that age, is something science can't explain.
- Spin "Patient Number 9": It was his final studio statement and features many of the people who played at the last concert.
- Listen to the 1970 "Paris" Live Recording: Compare it to the 2025 show. The energy changed from youthful aggression to elder-statesman weight, but the soul of the music stayed exactly the same.
Ozzy's stage is dark now, but the noise he made is going to ring out forever. Birmingham forever, indeed.