Back to The Beginning: Farewell Prince of Darkness

During the era of the ’70s, when rock ‘n’ roll was playing on everyone’s radio, four musicians introduced a new wave in the genre that changed music history. Low-tuned guitars, fast and heavy riffs, and gothic lyrics led to the birth of a new genre: Heavy Metal. That band was none other than Black Sabbath, the group that made people start headbanging and wearing black gothic outfits.

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward are considered the fathers of heavy metal, a genre that has remained influential for over fifty years. Ozzy Osbourne, widely known as “The Prince of Darkness,” became an influential figure for millions. In 2017, Black Sabbath ended their long journey with a final tour, and Ozzy retired from the stage but still did continue making music.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and undergoing multiple surgeries, Ozzy remained out of the spotlight for eight years. But on July 5, 2025, he returned for one final farewell. In an all-day concert titled “Back to the Beginning”, held in Birmingham, the original Black Sabbath lineup reunited for the first time since 2005.

Bands like Metallica, Tool, Gojira, Pantera, Guns N’ Roses, Anthrax, and Slayer, Jack Black joined to pay tribute to the pioneering legends. The concert raised around $140 million, all of which was donated to Acorn Children’s Hospice, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital as well as to research to cure Parkinson’s. At the very end, Ozzy entered the stage on his dark throne and performed their cult classic song “Paranoid”, saying a final goodbye to his fans.