Ozzy Osbourne's farewell show in Birmingham means everything to him

On July 5, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne is set to perform his final show with Black Sabbath at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. This monumental event, dubbed 'Back to the Beginning', not only signifies a closing chapter for the heavy metal legend but also serves as a historic moment for the city, which will see an economic boost of up to £20 million as fans flock to the venue. The sold-out concert will include appearances by renowned metal bands such as Metallica, Alice in Chains, and Lamb of God, making it one of the biggest gatherings of heavy metal artists in history. In his emotional statement, Osbourne expressed gratitude toward his supporters, emphasizing the personal significance of performing in his hometown. The concert is viewed by many as a tribute to the legacy of Black Sabbath, a band credited with pioneering the heavy metal genre. Osbourne's wife, Sharon Osbourne, highlighted Birmingham's special place in their story, noting it as the birthplace of Black Sabbath and a key part of Ozzy's life both personally and professionally. The concert's immense popularity has led to an unexpectedly high demand for livestream tickets, allowing fans who cannot attend in person to participate in the farewell show. The livestream will start two hours after the in-arena performance begins, emphasizing the concert's reach beyond the physical venue. Ozzy Osbourne, at the age of 76, reflected on the emotional weight of this event, stressing that it felt both surreal and significant to return to where it all began. As the event approaches, various cultural and sporting activities in Birmingham this weekend are expected to complement the concert’s draw, contributing to heightened hotel occupancy and a vibrant atmosphere in the city. This convergence of events underlines not just Osbourne's farewell but the city's growing role as a prominent venue for major cultural milestones in music history.