Ozzy Says 'Goodnight' – But We Will Never Say 'Goodbye!'

On July 5, 2025, the last line of an amazing piece of rock history was written at Birmingham’s Villa Park as Ozzy Osbourne—aged 76 and battling the effects of Parkinson’s and past spinal surgeries—took the stage for what he confirmed would be his final live performance. The event, aptly named “Back to the Beginning,” reunited the original lineup of Black Sabbath; Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.

Ozzy, seated on a gothic, bat-winged throne, opened with a solo set including I Don’t Know, Mr. Crowley and Crazy Train. Though he remained seated, his voice still soared — every word wrapped in grit, glory and gratitude. His band, including Zakk Wylde, brought thunder to every chord.

Then came the guests — a hall of fame’s worth: Metallica, Tool, Slayer, Alice in Chains, Guns N’ Roses, Mastodon and more. No moment captured the night’s unfiltered rock spirit like Jason Momoa—the evening’s co-host—diving headfirst into the pit, shedding his mic and security like a war cloak. The crowd went wild as 6’4 Aquaman had the time of his life, grinning, dancing and moshing like a teenage Sabbath fan at their first concert. It was raw. It was real. It was rock.

The night closed with Sabbath’s most iconic anthems; War Pigs, Iron Man, Paranoid. Fireworks exploded, confetti rained and 40,000 fans—plus 5 million livestreamers—witnessed the final bow of the Prince of Darkness.

Proceeds raised an estimated £140 million for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice. From Jack Black’s surprise tribute to a backstage engagement between Sid Wilson and Kelly Osbourne, the night was legendary.

Ozzy summed it up best:

“It’s so good to be on this stage… You have no idea how I feel.”

Thank you Ozzy for sharing the music and memories! I personally couldn’t think of a better story to share on National Rock and Roll Day!