Ozzy Osbourne—the iconic Prince of Darkness and former frontman of Black Sabbath—continues to captivate fans worldwide as he prepares for his final live performance and celebrates a landmark career retrospective in his hometown of Birmingham.
Final Farewell Concert: “Back to the Beginning”
Scheduled for July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, the “Back to the Beginning” concert promises to be Ozzy’s poignant farewell with Black Sabbath, featuring the original lineup—Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for the first time in nearly 20 years . Directed by Tom Morello, the event will showcase a stellar supporting cast including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Tool, Alice in Chains, and more .
Ozzy’s health journey has been well-publicized: he suffered a severe fall in 2019, underwent spinal surgery, and has been living with Parkinson’s disease since 2020 . Despite these challenges, he’s committed to “giving 120%”—training daily with a specialist and focusing on performing “one day at a time” . While his performance may be limited to a few powerful songs rather than a full set, he assured fans he’s determined to “do the best” he can .
Notably, guitarist Jake E. Lee hinted he might break out the classic “Ultimate Sin,” though he admitted the arthritis in his wrist may impact song choice .
️ “Working Class Hero” Exhibition: A Homecoming Tribute
Coinciding with the concert, the “Working Class Hero” exhibition opens June 25, 2025, at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and runs through September 28 . This free exhibit offers fans an intimate journey through Ozzy’s transformation—from an Aston youth to global rock icon.
Highlights include:
Grammy, MTV, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame awards
Gold and platinum discs spanning his solo and Black Sabbath catalog
Rare photos, video clips, and memorabilia tracing his career arc
An outdoor Black Sabbath photography exhibition in Victoria Square, plus a sprawling 40-meter street mural by Mr Murals near New Street station, provide immersive experiences and perfect photo ops for fans .
Documentary on the Way
Later this year, Paramount+ will premiere the documentary “No Escape from Now,” directed by BAFTA-winner Tania Alexander. It chronicles Ozzy’s grueling rehabilitation since 2019—including falls, spinal surgery, and Parkinson’s—while offering an unfiltered look into his family life and creative resurgence .
Sharon Osbourne emphasized the film’s emotional depth, crafting a testament to resilience and the healing power of music—perfectly timed as Ozzy’s stage career draws to a close.
❤️ A Legacy Honored at Home
This convergence of a historic concert, immersive exhibitions, and an intimate doc underscores Birmingham’s role in Ozzy’s story. As Sharon put it, the city where he began is where he’ll close this chapter . For lifelong fans and newcomers alike, it’s a rare opportunity to celebrate an extraordinary legacy—marked by triumph, hardship, and an indomitable spirit that forever reshaped rock music.
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This summer—June through July 2025—Birmingham transforms into a pilgrimage site for metal devotees, honoring Ozzy Osbourne’s indelible impact and celebrating his final bow as both a global star and a beloved hometown hero.
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