The Prince Of Darkness' Final Bow: Inside Ozzy Osbourne's Emotional Last Concert Before His Death

The question of "Will Ozzy Osbourne ever perform live again?" has been definitively and tragically answered. Following years of debilitating health struggles and the cancellation of his long-running "No More Tours 2" farewell trek, the Prince of Darkness took the stage one final time for an emotional, star-studded event in his hometown. This monumental performance, dubbed ‘Back to the Beginning,’ occurred on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, and was a heartfelt reunion with his original Black Sabbath bandmates. In a heartbreaking turn of events that shocked the world, this concert would become his ultimate farewell, as the legendary rocker passed away just 17 days later on July 22, 2025.

The final concert was not just a show; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of a rock icon who refused to let his physical ailments silence him. For fans seeking the most current and definitive information regarding the end of his touring career, the ‘Back to the Beginning’ benefit concert is the final, undisputed chapter. It was a poignant, powerful, and ultimately final performance that closed the curtain on one of music's most influential careers.

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne: A Life and Legacy Profile

The life of John Michael Osbourne, known worldwide as Ozzy Osbourne, was a rollercoaster of musical innovation, controversy, and profound cultural impact. His journey from a working-class Birmingham boy to the global "Prince of Darkness" is unparalleled.

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• Full Name: John Michael Osbourne
• Nickname: The Prince of Darkness, The Godfather of Metal
• Born: December 3, 1948
• Died: July 22, 2025
• Birthplace: Aston, Birmingham, England, UK
• Spouses: Thelma Riley (m. 1971; div. 1982), Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982; d. 2025)
• Children: Jessica, Louis, and Elliot (with Thelma); Aimee, Kelly, and Jack (with Sharon)
• Primary Bands: Black Sabbath (1968–1979, various reunions), Solo Career (1980–2025)
• Health Issues: Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (publicly revealed 2020), spinal injury from a 2019 fall, various health complications.
• Final Performance: 'Back to the Beginning' at Villa Park, Birmingham, July 5, 2025.

The Road to Retirement: Canceled Tours and Health Struggles

Ozzy’s final years were marked by a valiant, yet ultimately unsuccessful, battle to return to the road. The planned "No More Tours 2" was intended to be his definitive farewell to global touring, a nod to his 1992 ‘No More Tours’ announcement which he famously reneged on.

In 2023, the remaining European and UK dates of the tour were officially canceled. Osbourne's decision was a direct result of his ongoing health crisis, which included a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and complications from a 2019 fall that aggravated a previous quad bike accident injury. He underwent multiple surgeries to correct the damage to his neck and spine, making extensive travel and performance impossible.

Despite the cancellation, Ozzy was adamant that he was not done with performing entirely. He repeatedly expressed a profound desire to perform "one last show" in his home city of Birmingham. This wish, a final act of defiance against his physical limitations, set the stage for the ‘Back to the Beginning’ event.

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In a candid update from early 2025, the rocker acknowledged his grim situation, stating, "I can't walk, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all my complaining, I'm still alive." This determination fueled his commitment to the final performance.

'Back to the Beginning': The Details of Ozzy’s Final Concert

The 'Back to the Beginning' concert on July 5, 2025, was a historic event that served as the final chapter of Ozzy Osbourne’s live career. Held at Villa Park, the home stadium of his beloved Aston Villa football club, the show was a multi-act benefit concert that culminated in the performance everyone had waited for.

The Black Sabbath Reunion

The most anticipated moment of the evening was the unexpected reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup: Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). This was the first time the four founding members had performed together in over 20 years, making the event a truly monumental occasion for heavy metal history.

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Due to his health condition, Ozzy performed the entire set while seated on a custom-designed, bat-themed throne, a fittingly theatrical touch for the Prince of Darkness. His wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, confirmed that despite the physical toll, Ozzy was "very happy" to be able to fulfill his final wish.

The Setlist: A Blend of Solo and Sabbath Classics

The final performance was split into two distinct, powerful segments. Ozzy first performed a selection of his most iconic solo career hits, backed by his touring band, before the Black Sabbath members joined him on stage.

The full setlist for the historic final night included:

Ozzy Osbourne Solo Set:

• Mr. Crowley
• Suicide Solution
• Mama, I'm Coming Home
• Crazy Train
• Bark at the Moon

Black Sabbath Reunion Set:

• Fairies Wear Boots
• Into the Void
• War Pigs
• Paranoid (Encore)

The roar of the crowd during the Black Sabbath portion, especially for anthems like "War Pigs" and the closing "Paranoid," provided a powerful and emotional backdrop to the final moments of his career.

The Legacy After the Final Performance

The ‘Back to the Beginning’ concert was a definitive end, but Ozzy Osbourne’s work continues to live on. His death shortly after the performance cemented the show’s legendary status as a final, perfect curtain call.

The concert itself is not just a memory for those in attendance. A feature-length documentary film chronicling the event, titled Back to the Beginning: Ozzy's Final Bow, is scheduled for a theatrical release in early 2026. This cinematic release will allow millions of fans worldwide to witness the final, emotional performance of the heavy metal legend.

Ozzy’s influence spans generations, from founding Black Sabbath—the pioneers of heavy metal—to launching the successful Ozzfest festival and revitalizing his career with the reality TV show The Osbournes. His solo career produced numerous platinum albums and iconic songs that defined the sound of rock music for decades. Though the Prince of Darkness has taken his final bow, his music, his eccentric persona, and his legacy as a true rock and roll survivor will continue to inspire and resonate for centuries to come.