Metallica and Guns N' Roses Honor Black Sabbath in Farewell Concert

In a momentous tribute to the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath, Metallica and Guns N' Roses headlined the farewell concert titled 'Back to the Beginning' in Birmingham, England, on Saturday, July 5, 2025. This event marked a significant milestone in rock history, coinciding with the final performances of Black Sabbath's original members, including the iconic Ozzy Osbourne, who has faced health challenges in recent years.

The concert, held at Villa Park, featured a star-studded lineup of artists, with Metallica performing renditions of Black Sabbath classics such as 'Hole in the Sky' and 'Johnny Blade.' According to a report by Rolling Stone, fan footage captured the excitement as Metallica set the tone for the evening, affirming their longstanding admiration for the band that helped shape the heavy metal genre.

Guns N' Roses also paid homage to Black Sabbath, performing four covers, including 'It's Alright' and 'Never Say Die.' The last time Guns N' Roses played 'It's Alright' was in 1992, making its inclusion in the set particularly poignant for fans. Social media reactions highlighted the emotional weight of the performance, with one fan stating, 'For us GN’R fans specifically, it’s really special to hear this again in 2025.'

The concert served not only to celebrate the legacy of Black Sabbath but also to raise funds for various charities, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice. In a statement prior to the concert, Ozzy Osbourne expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to his roots, stating, 'Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham forever.'

The event also featured performances from other notable bands such as Slayer, Pantera, and Alice in Chains, with Tom Morello acting as the musical director. Collaborative performances included a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s 'Whole Lotta Love,' further emphasizing the camaraderie among rock legends at this historic farewell.

As the curtain falls on Black Sabbath’s illustrious career, this concert not only honors their profound impact on music but also underscores the enduring legacy of heavy metal. The event solidified Birmingham's status as a cultural epicenter for metal music, a sentiment echoed by both Osbourne and the participating artists.

The 'Back to the Beginning' concert is a significant cultural event, marking the end of an era for many fans and musicians alike. As the music community reflects on Black Sabbath's contributions, it remains to be seen how the influence of their pioneering sound will resonate in the future of rock music.