The Greatest Send-Off in Rock History: Inside 'Back To The Beginning' One Year On
"It was the greatest send-off in the history of rock 'n' roll & the beautiful end to a heavy metal fairy tale." – Whitfield Crane
Ozzy Osbourne - 5th of July 2025 - Photo: David Weddle
It is now one whole year since Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne filled Villa Park in Birmingham for one last gig and farewell party with their loyal fans from across the globe. I was lucky enough to be there and little did I know what I was in for on that sunny day in the heart of The Midlands. Today I look back on my memories of the 5th of July 2025, the day that metal fans from all across the globe gathered in their masses.
Realisation of the scale of the event started to sink in as the streets around the venue filled with a sea of leather and denim clad metal fans who all made the pilgrimage to Villa Park in Birmingham UK, to see the Godfathers of the genre, together for the final time. It was incredible to see so many people all with the same motives gathering in their masses as it were. The streets were positively buzzing as people queued to get in.
I made my way through the gates and in past the merch stand that was already packed with people hoping to get themselves a memento of the day. Looking towards the impressive facade of The Holte end entrance I was met with a huge inflatable Ozzy, what a sight to behold.
Realisation of the scale of the event started to sink in as the streets around the venue filled with a sea of leather and denim clad metal fans who all made the pilgrimage to Villa Park in Birmingham UK, to see the Godfathers of the genre, together for the final time. It was incredible to see so many people all with the same motives gathering in their masses as it were. The streets were positively buzzing as people queued to get in.
I made my way through the gates and in past the merch stand that was already packed with people hoping to get themselves a memento of the day. Looking towards the impressive facade of The Holte end entrance I was met with a huge inflatable Ozzy, what a sight to behold.
Fans were greeted by a huge inflatable Ozzy. - Photo: David Weddle
The day was going to be a long one but that hadn't stopped the drinks flowing in the fan zone (and incidentally, outside the Tesco on the way in), people were just so glad to be there and it showed. Strangers talking to strangers from completely different continents and still finding common ground and enjoying each others stories as they hung around waiting for the show to begin. I remember one lad, I think he was Italian but I can't be sure, walking around on his own and asking random people who their favourite guitarist was and getting into really in depth conversations from that one connection. Metal really does bring people together.
We all know what happened next, Mastodon kicked off the show following an introduction from none other than Jason flipping Momoa of all people. That was it. There was no let up in the energy from that first moment to the last second of the night. Huge acts from Anthrax, Pantera, Guns n' Roses, Metallica and so many more all came together for an incredible, once in a lifetime celebration of music and the people who spearheaded the genre.
I picked out just a handful of acts there but there were so many big names, the day felt very overwhelming. Gojira and Halestorm, Rival Sons, that is just how crazy the line up was, I just thought of those and I know there are more I haven't mentioned. But seriously, nobody was really prepared for just how mind-blowing that day was. Where else would you see the likes of Nuno Bettencourt, Steve Tyler, Dave Ellefson and Rudy Sarzo share the same bill as YungBlud and Ronnie Wood of all people for goodness sake? Like, what? I know, that is exactly what I thought, but it happened.
Speaking of YungBlud, that version of Changes with II, Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello and Adam Wakeman only went and won a Grammy. So weird thinking that I witnessed that with my own eyes and ears. Anyway, apologies for going off on a tangent there.
We all know what happened next, Mastodon kicked off the show following an introduction from none other than Jason flipping Momoa of all people. That was it. There was no let up in the energy from that first moment to the last second of the night. Huge acts from Anthrax, Pantera, Guns n' Roses, Metallica and so many more all came together for an incredible, once in a lifetime celebration of music and the people who spearheaded the genre.
I picked out just a handful of acts there but there were so many big names, the day felt very overwhelming. Gojira and Halestorm, Rival Sons, that is just how crazy the line up was, I just thought of those and I know there are more I haven't mentioned. But seriously, nobody was really prepared for just how mind-blowing that day was. Where else would you see the likes of Nuno Bettencourt, Steve Tyler, Dave Ellefson and Rudy Sarzo share the same bill as YungBlud and Ronnie Wood of all people for goodness sake? Like, what? I know, that is exactly what I thought, but it happened.
Speaking of YungBlud, that version of Changes with II, Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello and Adam Wakeman only went and won a Grammy. So weird thinking that I witnessed that with my own eyes and ears. Anyway, apologies for going off on a tangent there.
Yungblud, Nuno Bettencourt, Adam Wakeman, II and Frank Bello perform Changes. Photo: David Weddle
I remember hearing that Tom Morello was pretty much in charge of organising the day, and I can honestly say he did an incredible job. The use of the revolving stages worked like a dream, we never felt bored or as if we were all waiting around. In fact it was that smoothly run that it actually created an issue in itself......when do I take a bathroom break? You just had to go and hope you didn't miss anyone.
Someone who made an impression on me was Ugly Kid Joe frontman Whitfield Crane. Alongside Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Nuno Bettencourt (yup, Nuno did a lot on that day), II and Adam Wakeman, Whitfield and co gave us an awesome rendition of Believer. Really great stuff. I asked Whitfield what that day meant to him and this is what he said:
Someone who made an impression on me was Ugly Kid Joe frontman Whitfield Crane. Alongside Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Nuno Bettencourt (yup, Nuno did a lot on that day), II and Adam Wakeman, Whitfield and co gave us an awesome rendition of Believer. Really great stuff. I asked Whitfield what that day meant to him and this is what he said:
“Back To The Beginning was pure magic across the board! I had the privilege of jamming with Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello, Scott Ian, Adam Wakeman and II on the song Believer from 1981's Diary Of A Madman! What an experience to share the stage with these legends! Band was tight as fuck and I'm pretty sure I sang in tune! Nuno carried the musical weight that day for many!! Nuno slayed!!! The city of Birmingham was locked and loaded with love and respect for Sabbath & Ozzy! Words to describe the city vibrations are limited as it was something that you felt. The people that filled Villa Park that day witnessed a happening, a once in a lifetime experience!! What a trip. Ozzy left us 17 days later. It was the greatest send off in the history of rock n roll & the beautiful end to a heavy metal fairy tale" - Whitfield Crane
Whitfield Crane, Scott Ian, Frank Bello and Adam Wakeman with II on drums, Nuno Bettencourt was just out of frame - Photo: David Weddle
As I write this I keep thinking of people who I should mention including Vernon Reid who was awesome as always. I can't promise I won't keep dropping names in, I will do my best but if someone else pops into my head I will just have to write it down.
When I look at the photos I took that day, on my phone not my normal setup, it still doesn't seem real in some ways. Oh, before I forget, the staff we encountered were all really helpful despite the fact they were probably having one of the busiest days of their lives at that point. Hats off to everyone from the cleaners to the bar staff, catering, merch, security and everyone in between. Everyone's contribution was very much appreciated.
The weather couldn't have been any better, in fact it was perfect, thankfully it didn't rain and the sun shone pretty much all day. The tens of thousands of people at Back to the Beginning really made the most of it, soaking in the rays and quenching their thirst with a beer or two. In fact there was a couple of sizeable beer snakes near where I was sat and the people around had a great time cheering as the tower of empty plastic cups got taller and taller. It was just one example of the proper feel good energy that was buzzing around Villa Park that day.
When I look at the photos I took that day, on my phone not my normal setup, it still doesn't seem real in some ways. Oh, before I forget, the staff we encountered were all really helpful despite the fact they were probably having one of the busiest days of their lives at that point. Hats off to everyone from the cleaners to the bar staff, catering, merch, security and everyone in between. Everyone's contribution was very much appreciated.
The weather couldn't have been any better, in fact it was perfect, thankfully it didn't rain and the sun shone pretty much all day. The tens of thousands of people at Back to the Beginning really made the most of it, soaking in the rays and quenching their thirst with a beer or two. In fact there was a couple of sizeable beer snakes near where I was sat and the people around had a great time cheering as the tower of empty plastic cups got taller and taller. It was just one example of the proper feel good energy that was buzzing around Villa Park that day.
Back to the Beginning official programme and bag tag - Photo: David Weddle
I’m still rattling off names in my head, but I have to give credit to Alice In Chains, Lamb of God, KK Downing, and Chad Smith for their contribution to the day.
From my vantage point at the back of the stadium I was able to see the whole picture, I thought being so far back would be a disadvantage but, honestly, I think it was a great spot. There were many moments that felt surreal throughout the day. From the endless sea of people snaking around Villa Park and chilling out in the park next to the stadium waiting for the gates, to open Jason Momoa jumping into the crowd to get in amongst the mosh pit for Pantera, or Lamb of God front man Randy Blythe throwing his shoes in to the crowd at the end of their set. This was not your ordinary, run of the mill metal show that is for sure.
After seeing Pantera, Slayer, G'n'R and Metallica do their thing ( I know, it sounds unreal and it definitely felt it), it was time for The Prince of Darkness to take to the stage. There were a few hilarious pre show videos from across the years played on the big screens as the anticipation built in the stands and on the pitch area.
You could feel the atmosphere in the place change as Ozzy rose from the stage on a black custom made throne, people's pent up excitement was finally released and the look on Ozzy's face said it all. This was a show that everyone, including Ozzy at times, worried may not happen, so it felt even more poignant that he was there surrounded by friends, family and his fans.
It didn't really matter to anyone there if he sounded good or not, we were just over the moon that Ozzy made it and got to see his fans one more time. Any thoughts of can he still do it were quashed as Ozzy opened with I Don't Know, he definitely still had it. Stunning stuff.
The now famous rendition of Mama I'm Coming Home is the point that I found the enormity of the event hit home. I must admit it nearly brought a tear to my eye. It sunk in that this was the last time, that really did feel sad for a moment but that soon passed as Ozzy and his band gave us a reason to keep rocking with an all time staple of any Ozzy Osbourne show, Crazy Train.
Seeing Ozzy looking like he wanted to get up out of that chair and stomp around that big old stage, showed us all just how powerful his music is and just how much he loved performing.
That was it. The last show. I still can't quite get my head around it but it happened and I was there, along with 40,000 or so fans who must have all felt like they had found the golden ticket inside a Wonka bar. That's how I felt at least.
The final band to take to the stage that day was none other than the band who started this whole thing we call metal, Black Sabbath.
From my vantage point at the back of the stadium I was able to see the whole picture, I thought being so far back would be a disadvantage but, honestly, I think it was a great spot. There were many moments that felt surreal throughout the day. From the endless sea of people snaking around Villa Park and chilling out in the park next to the stadium waiting for the gates, to open Jason Momoa jumping into the crowd to get in amongst the mosh pit for Pantera, or Lamb of God front man Randy Blythe throwing his shoes in to the crowd at the end of their set. This was not your ordinary, run of the mill metal show that is for sure.
After seeing Pantera, Slayer, G'n'R and Metallica do their thing ( I know, it sounds unreal and it definitely felt it), it was time for The Prince of Darkness to take to the stage. There were a few hilarious pre show videos from across the years played on the big screens as the anticipation built in the stands and on the pitch area.
You could feel the atmosphere in the place change as Ozzy rose from the stage on a black custom made throne, people's pent up excitement was finally released and the look on Ozzy's face said it all. This was a show that everyone, including Ozzy at times, worried may not happen, so it felt even more poignant that he was there surrounded by friends, family and his fans.
It didn't really matter to anyone there if he sounded good or not, we were just over the moon that Ozzy made it and got to see his fans one more time. Any thoughts of can he still do it were quashed as Ozzy opened with I Don't Know, he definitely still had it. Stunning stuff.
The now famous rendition of Mama I'm Coming Home is the point that I found the enormity of the event hit home. I must admit it nearly brought a tear to my eye. It sunk in that this was the last time, that really did feel sad for a moment but that soon passed as Ozzy and his band gave us a reason to keep rocking with an all time staple of any Ozzy Osbourne show, Crazy Train.
Seeing Ozzy looking like he wanted to get up out of that chair and stomp around that big old stage, showed us all just how powerful his music is and just how much he loved performing.
That was it. The last show. I still can't quite get my head around it but it happened and I was there, along with 40,000 or so fans who must have all felt like they had found the golden ticket inside a Wonka bar. That's how I felt at least.
The final band to take to the stage that day was none other than the band who started this whole thing we call metal, Black Sabbath.
Ozzy Osbourne 5th July 2025 - Photo David Weddle
With a blistering set of the biggest hits from their early career, the Birmingham four piece gave Villa Park and the millions of people watching around the world via the livestream, a night to remember forever. War Pigs, N.I.B., Iron Man and of course Paranoid, that audience heard those songs that had defined a generation and beyond, played by the people who wrote them for the final time.
As the lights went down and everyone made their way out of the stadium, nobody knew what was just around the corner. Sadly just over two weeks later Ozzy Osbourne passed away. It was a devastating blow to his family and friends and to his fans of course. It seemed so unreal, I was still buzzing from that incredible day. Nobody can say when the end will be for any of us, but what Ozzy was able to do in his final days was nothing short of miraculous. He got to say goodbye to his fans and his fans were able to see their hero doing what he did best.
As the lights went down and everyone made their way out of the stadium, nobody knew what was just around the corner. Sadly just over two weeks later Ozzy Osbourne passed away. It was a devastating blow to his family and friends and to his fans of course. It seemed so unreal, I was still buzzing from that incredible day. Nobody can say when the end will be for any of us, but what Ozzy was able to do in his final days was nothing short of miraculous. He got to say goodbye to his fans and his fans were able to see their hero doing what he did best.
Black Sabbath - Villa Park - 5th July 2025 - Photo: David Weddle
Obviously nobody can replace Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath so Back To The Beginning was a unique reminder of just how influential they have been on the world of music, this was an event that made history for sure, and a day that will live on in the hearts and minds of those who were there and those who watched from afar.
You can read our full review of the day, written on the coach back to Newcastle by clicking here.