Last night (July 5), Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne held their long-awaited “Back to the Beginning” final concert in their hometown of Birmingham, England. The show was a spectacular celebration filled with remarkable supporting acts and unexpected surprises. Many rock musicians have shared their heartfelt reactions to this momentous farewell event, which has been covered extensively by Loudwire.
Rock Legends Pay Tribute to Ozzy and Black Sabbath
Since the concert, numerous prominent figures in rock and metal have taken to social media to express their admiration and gratitude for the pioneers of heavy metal.
Lamb of God’s Heartfelt Farewell
The groove/thrash metal band Lamb of God shared a touching tribute online: “Back to the Beginning. Thank you @BlackSabbath. Massive honor to have been part of this.” They also performed a brief set during the concert, which included a cover of Black Sabbath’s classic “Children of the Grave” from the iconic 1971 album, *Master of Reality*.
David Draiman’s Emotional Reflection
Disturbed’s frontman, David Draiman, tweeted about the surreal experience of the event: “So surreal yesterday at #BackToTheBeginning. So many that I learned so much from over the years, such talent, such a legacy that @BlackSabbath and @OzzyOsbourne have! It brought tears to my eyes to watch Ozzy sing ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’ one last time. #ThankYou.”
Tributes from Other Rock Icons
Hatebreed expressed their gratitude simply with, “Thank you Black Sabbath !!” Corrosion of Conformity added, “Thanks for all the Riffs !! Black Sabbath.” Meanwhile, Billy Corgan, who was part of a supergroup performing at the event, shared his deep connection to the band:
“I’ve been listening to this band for 50 years. And there hasn’t been a year that’s gone by that I didn’t listen to them. They’re the band that I reach for when I’m having a hard time. They’re the band that I reach for when I want to get inspired. I will wear these pictures of us together on my heart forever.”
Dee Snider also reflected on the show, stating: “Watching Back to the Beginning live. As an OG head banger, Day One @BlackSabbath fan it fills my heart with joy to see these four guys be honored in this way. Believe me, it wasn’t always like this. BLACK SABBATH FOREVER, FOREVER BLACK SABBATH!”
Highlights from Back to the Beginning
After much anticipation, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, and an impressive lineup of opening acts—including Metallica, Mastodon, Anthrax, Guns N’ Roses, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, Ghost, Pantera, and Gojira—delivered an unforgettable performance at Villa Park in Birmingham.
The headliners delighted fans with a selection of beloved tracks such as “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “Paranoid,” “Crazy Train,” and “Mama I’m Coming Home.” The emotional atmosphere was palpable as tears were shed both by attendees and those watching from home.
Supporting Acts and Special Covers
Many supporting bands honored Black Sabbath with their renditions of classic songs. Mastodon closed their set with “Supernaut,” Anthrax performed “Into the Void,” Pantera covered “Planet Caravan,” and Gojira played “Under the Sun.” Additionally, Metallica debuted their version of “Hole in the Sky,” while Guns N’ Roses rocked “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.”
A supergroup featuring Billy Corgan, Sammy Hagar, Steven Tyler, Tom Morello, and Danny Carey also performed an entire set of covers, including “Symptom of the Universe,” “Snowblind,” “Bark at the Moon,” and “Flying High Again.”
Another highlight was actor Jason Momoa, who hosted the event and energized the crowd by starting a circle pit during Pantera’s performance!
Conclusion
The “Back to the Beginning” concert was a monumental success, celebrating the legacy of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. The heartfelt tributes from fellow musicians and the electrifying performances made it a night to remember. Fans and artists alike are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences from this historic farewell show.
FAQs
What was the location of the Back to the Beginning concert?
The concert took place at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Which notable bands performed at the event?
Notable bands included Metallica, Mastodon, Anthrax, Guns N’ Roses, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, Ghost, Pantera, and Gojira.
What were some of the memorable songs performed?
Some fan-favorite songs included “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “Paranoid,” “Crazy Train,” and “Mama I’m Coming Home.”
Did any special collaborations occur during the concert?
Yes, a supergroup featuring various artists performed a set of covers, celebrating Black Sabbath’s music.
How did fellow musicians react to the farewell show?
Many rock and metal artists shared their emotional reflections and tributes on social media, expressing gratitude for Black Sabbath’s influence and legacy.
