It’s been a long road in themusiccareer of heavy metal rock groupBlack Sabbathand their most well-known/founding lead vocalist,Ozzy Osbourne. The band got off to a strong start in 1970 (initially forming in 1968) with one of theall-time great no-skip classic rock debut albumsandbecame heavy metal pioneers through their expansive ’70s output.
Osbourne was fired from Sabbath in 1979, going on to pave his own route as a hard rocker (with plenty ofcareer-defining songs along the way). The singer weathered the loss of an influential guitarist (by finding another himself), substance abuse, and various controversies on the way to a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-worthy career (both solo and with Sabbath).
Black Sabbath and Osbourne reunited periodically in later years, and recently, a concert was organized to honor both Osbourne and the band called “Back to the Beginning.” Held in Birmingham, England (where Black Sabbath got started), they were joined by plenty of well-wishers.
The “Back To The Beginning” Gig Was A Star-Studded Tribute To Ozzy Osbourne And Black Sabbath
A Who’s Who Of Hard Rock Luminaries
Held over the course of an eleven-hour day at Birmingham’s Villa Park, “Back to the Beginning” featured performances from the likes of Metallica, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, and Anthrax. A number of actsalso chose to cover Sabbath material during their sets, like British rocker Yungblud taking on “Changes” and famed band Guns ‘n’ Roses tackling “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.”
The concert (hosted by actor Jason Momoa) had both a live audience and was streamed in progress for fans across the globe. The gig not only benefited multiple charitable causes (as well as heavy metal music lovers)but also occurred for a very important reason.
This Event Was A Formal Retirement For The Band Following Osbourne’s Health Issues
A Salute To These Pioneering Icons
In recent years, Osbourne has struggled with various ailments,including spinal issues, emphysema, and a diagnosis of advanced Parkinson’s Diseasethat’s left him with limited mobility. These problems have hampered Osbourne’s ability to tour and placed his ability to keep performing in doubt.
As a result, “Back to the Beginning” also acted as a retirement gig, giving admirers of Osbourne and Black Sabbath one more opportunity to pay them respect. It also gave the musiciansalast chance to rock the house with a finale performance.
Osbourne Closed The Show With A Mix Of Both Solo And Sabbath Standouts
A Warrior Through One Last Show
In the final hour of “Back to the Beginning,” Osbourne himself took to the stage with members of his touring band to perform solo songs like “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and “Crazy Train.” He was then joinedby Sabbath members Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Wardto finish with songs such as “War Pigs” and “Iron Man.”
While no longer in prime vocal form and limited to being seated on a bat-themed throne, Osbourne fought to give fans and friends alike one last emotional show/set. “Back to the Beginning” wasOzzy OsbourneandBlack Sabbath’schance to go out on their own terms, and they did so swinging.
