Heavy Metal Royalty Assemble: 17 Rock Legends Unite for Black Sabbath’s Historic ‘Back to the Beginning’ Concert at Villa Park
In what is being hailed as the most iconic gathering in rock history, 17 titans of heavy metal and hard rock took to the stage on Saturday, July 5th, at Birmingham’s legendary Villa Park for Black Sabbath’s star-studded “Back to the Beginning” concert. The historic event served as a homecoming celebration for the pioneers of heavy metal and marked one of the final chapter moments in their 57-year journey.
At the heart of it all was the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne, who took center stage on a throne, surrounded by friends, collaborators, and icons who helped shape the sound and legacy of metal. “It’s taken us 57 years to get to the Villa, we made it. Back to the Beginning,” Ozzy declared to roaring applause from the sold-out crowd.
The top row of this once-in-a-lifetime lineup was a thunderous showcase of multi-generational rock talent. Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo of Pantera brought Southern metal grit, while Tobias Forge of Ghost represented the theatrical future of the genre. David Draiman of Disturbed added his signature growl, and James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo of Metallica offered a wall of sound that has defined modern metal for decades.
Alongside them stood legends like Tony Iommi, Sabbath’s co-founder and riff-master, and Geezer Butler, the bass engine of the band, returning home to Birmingham to help close the circle. From across the Atlantic, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith brought his iconic vocal style and showmanship, while Sammy Hagar gave the crowd a dose of California hard rock spirit.
At the very center, seated like a king upon a throne, was Ozzy Osbourne, flanked by lifelong bandmates and friends. Directly in front of him on the bottom row stood fellow Black Sabbath co-founder and drummer Bill Ward, reunited for what may be one final performance with the original lineup. Guitar virtuoso Zakk Wylde, a longtime collaborator of Ozzy’s and current Pantera guitarist, brought blistering solos and heartfelt reverence to the occasion.
Mike Inez of Alice in Chains, representing Seattle’s grunge-infused metal sound, stood proudly alongside Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, a nod to how Sabbath’s shadow loomed far beyond traditional metal and helped influence the alternative rock generation.
This powerful tableau of talent represented not just a celebration of Black Sabbath’s legacy, but a unifying moment for the entire rock world. Artists from different generations, styles, and backgrounds came together in Sabbath’s hometown of Birmingham, honoring the band that gave birth to an entire genre.
The concert itself was filled with emotional reunions, legendary riffs, and roaring tributes. From classics like “War Pigs” and “Paranoid” to collaborative performances of genre-crossing hits, fans were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every artist brought their own flavor to the stage, yet all bowed to the gods of Sabbath by night’s end.
As the final notes echoed through Villa Park, the message was clear: this wasn’t just a concert — it was history. A full-circle moment. A farewell. And a thank-you to the fans, the city, and the music that started it all.
As Ozzy looked out into the Birmingham crowd one final time, he smiled through tears. “This is where it all began — and tonight, it ends the way it should. Loud, proud, and with all my brothers by my side.”
For fans who were there, and for those watching around the globe, the night was a testament to the timeless power of rock ‘n’ roll and the immortal legacy of Black Sabbath.
