The Prince Of Darkness's Final Bow: Inside Ozzy Osbourne's Emotional Last Show, 'Back To The Beginning'

The curtain closed on a heavy metal icon on July 5, 2025, when John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne took the stage for what would be his definitive and final live performance. This monumental, all-day event, titled 'Back to the Beginning,' was a deeply emotional farewell to a career spanning over five decades, culminating in a historic reunion with the original Black Sabbath lineup in his hometown of Birmingham, England. The performance was a testament to the Prince of Darkness's enduring spirit, even as he faced profound physical challenges, performing from a custom-built, bat-themed throne.

The significance of this concert, held at Villa Park, was amplified just weeks later when Osbourne passed away. This article, written on December 18, 2025, looks back at the details of that final, unforgettable night—a concert that not only celebrated the birth of heavy metal but also served as the legendary singer's poignant last stand against his debilitating health struggles, raising nearly $200 million for children's charities in the process.

Ozzy Osbourne: A Complete Biographical Profile (1948–2025)

John Michael Osbourne, universally known as Ozzy Osbourne, was a British singer, songwriter, and media personality who earned the moniker "The Prince of Darkness" for his pioneering role in the heavy metal genre. Born into a working-class family, his journey from Aston, Birmingham, to global superstardom is one of rock’s most enduring stories.

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• Full Name: John Michael Osbourne
• Nickname: The Prince of Darkness
• Born: December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, England
• Died: July 22, 2025, at the age of 76
• Cause of Death: Complications related to various health issues, including Parkinson’s disease.
• Spouses: Thelma Riley (m. 1971–1982) and Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982–2025)
• Children: Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne.
• Career Highlights: Co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968; launched a highly successful solo career in 1980; released 13 studio albums, with the final being Patient Number 9 (2022).

The Last Hurrah: Inside the 'Back to the Beginning' Final Show

The 'Back to the Beginning' concert on Saturday, July 5, 2025, was initially conceived as a celebration of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s legacy, but it quickly transformed into a definitive farewell. The massive, sold-out event drew 40,000 fans to Villa Park in Birmingham, the spiritual home of heavy metal.

Ozzy's decision to retire from extensive touring was announced in early 2023, citing his inability to travel and perform due to a long list of health complications, including Parkinson's disease and injuries sustained from a 2019 fall. Despite these setbacks, he was determined to have one final performance. The 'Back to the Beginning' show was that moment.

The Historic Reunion and the Bat-Throne

The most compelling aspect of the night was the reunion of Black Sabbath's original, iconic line-up for the first time in years: Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). This was a momentous occasion for fans, who had long hoped to see the founding members share the stage one last time.

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Due to the progression of his health issues, which had left him unable to walk, Osbourne performed the entire show while seated. His stage presence, however, was undiminished. He sat on a specially designed, elaborate "bat-themed throne," a dramatic reference to one of his most infamous on-stage antics, turning a potential moment of fragility into a statement of his enduring 'Prince of Darkness' persona.

The emotional weight of the performance was palpable. Despite being hospitalized just two weeks prior to the concert—battling pneumonia and sepsis months earlier—Ozzy poured every ounce of his energy into the music. The event was also a massive charitable success, raising over $190 million for various children’s charities, making the final show a poignant act of generosity.

The Setlist and Supporting Acts: A Metal Cavalcade

The 'Back to the Beginning' event was an all-day festival featuring a cavalcade of heavy metal and hard rock royalty, all paying tribute to the man and the band who started it all. The list of supporting artists was a who's who of the genre, underscoring the enormous influence of Black Sabbath and Ozzy's solo career.

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Notable Supporting Acts:

• Metallica
• Guns N' Roses
• Slayer
• Tool
• Pantera
• Alice In Chains
• Mastodon
• Rival Sons
• Anthrax
• Halestorm
• Lamb of God

The climax of the night was the Black Sabbath set. While the full setlist included a mix of Ozzy's solo hits and Sabbath classics, the final, four-song Black Sabbath set was a masterclass in heavy metal history, giving fans the ultimate farewell.

Black Sabbath Final Setlist Highlights:

• "War Pigs"
• "Iron Man"
• "Black Sabbath"
• "Paranoid" (The final song performed live by Ozzy Osbourne)

The Legacy and The Final Album: Patient Number 9

Even as his touring career concluded, Ozzy Osbourne's creative output continued. His thirteenth and final studio album, Patient Number 9, was released in September 2022, showcasing that his musical genius remained intact despite his failing health. The album was a critical and commercial success, proving that the Prince of Darkness could still command the rock world.

The album's success was cemented at the 2023 Grammy Awards, where it earned Ozzy two awards: Best Metal Performance for the title track and Best Rock Album. This final studio effort, featuring collaborations with legends like Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Tony Iommi, serves as a powerful testament to his solo legacy.

The 'Back to the Beginning' concert, followed so closely by his passing on July 22, 2025, cemented the show's place in rock history. It was a perfect, albeit heartbreaking, final chapter. Ozzy Osbourne’s last show was not just a concert; it was a defiant, emotional, and powerful farewell from a man who defined a genre and whose spirit will forever echo in the halls of heavy metal.