Black Sabbath’s Legendary Farewell Show: A Fitting Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
The original lineup of Black Sabbath delivered an electrifying farewell performance for Ozzy Osbourne on Saturday night, culminating in a powerful four-song set that left fans exhilarated. This monumental occasion marked not just a celebration of Osbourne’s illustrious career but also a poignant reunion of the iconic band.
Set List Highlights
Fans can enjoy a glimpse of the full set list and fan-shot video from this unforgettable show below.
Set List for ‘Back to the Beginning’
- “War Pigs” (From 1970’s Paranoid)
- “N.I.B.” (From 1970’s Black Sabbath)
- “Iron Man” (From Paranoid)
- “Paranoid” (From Paranoid)
A Historic Reunion
This performance was particularly special as it marked the first live appearance of founding drummer Bill Ward with Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, and bassist Geezer Butler since 2005. For Osbourne, this reunion was a long-awaited dream; he has often expressed that Black Sabbath’s previous farewell tour, ‘The End,’ felt incomplete without Ward’s involvement.
Ozzy’s Journey to the Stage
Despite facing numerous health challenges that led him to cancel his ‘No More Tours 2’ solo farewell tour in 2023, Osbourne’s determination to leave the stage on his own terms propelled him to rehabilitate and train extensively for the ‘Back to the Beginning’ show. This performance not only featured a reunion with his bandmates but also marked his last-ever solo act.
Heavy Metal Summer Camp
The farewell show concluded a day filled with hard rock and metal performances, where numerous legendary artists came together to celebrate the genre. Metallica’s Lars Ulrich described the event as “Heavy metal summer camp” in a backstage video, capturing the camaraderie and spirit of the occasion.
Star-Studded Lineup
Earlier in the day, a slew of rock icons took the stage, including Guns N’ Roses, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Pantera, Tool, Sammy Hagar, and Alice in Chains. Many of these acts performed their own songs as well as tributes to Black Sabbath and Osbourne, creating an atmosphere of collective nostalgia and respect.
Conclusion
Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell show with Black Sabbath was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of a musical legacy that has influenced countless artists and fans across generations. The reunion of the original band members and the heartfelt performances throughout the day encapsulated the spirit of rock and metal, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact that Osbourne and Black Sabbath have had on the music world.
FAQs
When did Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell show take place?
Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell show took place on July 5, 2025.
Who performed with Ozzy Osbourne during the farewell show?
The original lineup of Black Sabbath, including Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, performed alongside Ozzy Osbourne.
What songs did Black Sabbath play during the farewell show?
Black Sabbath performed four songs: “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.”
Why was Bill Ward’s presence significant?
Bill Ward’s presence was significant as it marked his first performance with the band since 2005, fulfilling a long-held desire of Ozzy Osbourne for a complete reunion.
