Ozzy Osbourne’s Epic Return
“Let the madness commence!” shouted a playful Ozzy Osbourne from his ornate throne, adorned with bats and skulls, at a packed Villa Park in Birmingham, England. The legendary Prince of Darkness finally took the stage after a day filled with tributes from iconic metal bands, celebrating his and Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning concert on July 5.
The Festivities Leading Up
The anticipation throughout Birmingham, the proud birthplace of heavy metal, had transformed the city as preparations for the Summer of Sabbath were in full swing. Festooned with purple balloons and flags, pubs celebrated with murals, and fans roamed the streets dressed in Ozzy-themed attire, creating a vibrant carnival atmosphere akin to a World Cup final.
A Pilgrimage for Fans
The festive vibe was palpable right outside New Street Station, where fans clustered near the Black Sabbath Bridge mural, signed by Osbourne and the band earlier that week. We met a fan from London on a “Sabbath pilgrimage,” exploring historical sites like The Crown, where the band played their first gig.
Arrival at Villa Park
Once we reached Villa Park, the iconic football stadium that once housed the band’s members, we were greeted by roaring guitar riffs and an impressive inflatable Ozzy overlooking the crowd. Cody Holl, who traveled from Pennsylvania, expressed his excitement: “It’s Black Sabbath’s last Sabbath… I had to be here.”
A Day Full of Iconic Performances
Throughout the day, renowned heavy metal artists graced the stage, clearly in awe of Black Sabbath’s legacy. The day was filled with unforgettable moments; Lamb of God wowed the crowd with a powerful rendition of “Children of the Grave,” igniting an energetic mosh pit.
Heartfelt and Humorous Tributes
Unexpected highlights included Yungblud’s emotional cover of “Changes,” dedicated to late Liverpool striker Diogo Jota, and a playful drum-off featuring Blink-182’s Travis Barker and others. As the day progressed, legendary acts like Alice in Chains and Slayer further fueled the crowd’s excitement before the evening culminated with Osbourne’s performance.
Osbourne Takes the Stage
After emotional tributes from fellow musicians, Osbourne appeared on stage, filled with emotion. Singing classics like “Mama I’m Coming Home” and “Crazy Train,” he captivated the audience. The night reached its climax when he performed with Black Sabbath, presenting a theatrical rendition of “War Pigs” before concluding with “Iron Man” and “Paranoid.” The farewell felt genuine and resonant, a fitting end to an extraordinary career.
