At Villa Park in Birmingham, heavy metal legends Black Sabbath played their final concert, ending a legacy that shaped the genre itself. With fireworks lighting the sky and 40,000 fans roaring in the stadium—plus another 5.8 million watching via livestream—this event was more than a concert. It was a farewell to the pioneers of metal.
Sabbath returns home for one last time
The band’s return to Birmingham, their hometown and the self-proclaimed “home of metal,” felt fitting. All four original members—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—took the stage together, with Ward’s signature swing adding flair that no other Sabbath drummer had managed. Ozzy, although fragile and seated on a throne throughout, brought raw emotion that moved the crowd deeply.
City-wide tribute to the metal forefathers
Birmingham embraced Sabbath’s return with open arms. The city granted the band the “freedom of the city,” renamed a bridge after them, and reintroduced the Black Sabbath ballet. Even a giant Ozzy tifo was unveiled by Aston Villa fans last season. The entire weekend was part of the “Summer of Sabbath” celebration, a tribute extending throughout the season.
The lineup: a global celebration of heavy metal
The day-long show wasn’t just about Sabbath. It was a star-studded affair featuring bands and artists from around the world. Hosted by actor Jason Momoa, the event began early with Mastodon, who, despite lineup changes, set a strong tone. Rival Sons brought a bluesy rock sound, and bands like Anthrax, Halestorm, and Lamb of God followed with rapid-fire sets due to tight time limits.
Short sets, big energy
With each act limited to around 15 minutes, the show maintained high energy and excitement. Circle pits erupted during Lamb of God’s cover of “Children of the Grave,” while Gojira impressed with their precision and power, shining on a cover of “Under the Sun.” Even YouTuber-turned-guitarist performances blended seamlessly into the day’s spirit.
Unexpected standout moments
Yungblud surprised many by delivering an emotional version of “Changes,” creating a singalong moment with fans unfamiliar with him. A rotating all-star band led by Lzzy Hale and featuring Jake E. Lee (Ozzy’s former guitarist) thrilled the crowd with Sabbath classics like “Sweet Leaf.”
Rock royalty keeps the hits coming
Later in the show, the energy took on a variety show feel. Billy Corgan, KK Downing, and Tom Morello joined forces for “Breaking the Law,” while Steven Tyler and Ronnie Wood delivered “Walk This Way” and “Whole Lotta Love,” drawing massive cheers.
Metal’s biggest bands unite in tribute
When Pantera hit the stage, the stadium erupted for “Cowboys from Hell,” followed by Tool’s intricate prog-metal. Slayer brought their thunderous sound, and Guns N’ Roses—surprisingly tight and respectful of time—opened with Sabbath’s “Never Say Die” and closed with “Welcome to the Jungle.” Metallica wrapped up the tribute acts with blistering force, starting with “Hole in the Sky” and showcasing their own iconic “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”
Ozzy’s emotional final act
Ozzy Osbourne finally took the stage alone, remaining seated due to health issues. His voice cracked on “Coming Home,” yet the crowd carried him with love and support. “Crazy Train” revived the energy, while “Mr. Crowley” and “Suicide Solution” reminded everyone why he’s still the Prince of Darkness.
Sabbath saves the heaviest for last
When the full Sabbath lineup returned, they focused solely on tracks from their first two albums—“War Pigs,” “NIB,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.” It was a short but unforgettable set, with Butler even playing a bass guitar painted in Aston Villa’s claret and blue.
A fitting goodbye to heavy metal’s pioneers
It was a deeply moving farewell. Though Sabbath may not have always been close to Birmingham throughout their career, this final show was a beautiful reconciliation. Ozzy’s tears, the fans’ unity, and the thunderous riffs proved one thing: no one does metal like Black Sabbath. The band may have left the stage, but their legacy will echo forever.
