"Back to the Beginning" Livestream Draws Millions in Historic Farewell to Ozzy Osbourne & Black Sabbath

In a defining moment for the global metal scene, the Back to the Beginning livestream held this past Saturday at Birmingham’s Villa Park became an instant landmark event. Celebrating the final live performance of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, the show attracted millions of fans across the globe.

As reported by The Guardian, more than five million viewers tuned in online to witness the farewell, a figure that underscores the sheer impact of the occasion. Considering unofficial streams and re-broadcasts, actual viewership may be even higher.

Over 40,000 fans filled the stadium for a once-in-a-lifetime lineup that featured genre giants including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Guns N' Roses, Tool, and Anthrax. The evening also boasted a series of supergroup performances paying homage to Sabbath and Osbourne’s legendary catalog. Actor and metal icon Jason Momoa hosted the event, offering a heartfelt tribute to both the band’s legacy and their Birmingham roots.

Beyond the music, Back to the Beginning also served as a major charitable initiative. With digital ticket prices starting at $29.99 and escalating for VIP options, all proceeds from the event are being donated to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice—potentially generating millions in donations.

Full Lineup:

• Black Sabbath

• Ozzy Osbourne

• Metallica

• Guns N’ Roses

• Slayer

• Pantera

• Tool

• Alice in Chains

• Gojira

• Lamb of God

• Anthrax

• Halestorm

• Mastodon

• Rival Sons

Special Tribute Supergroups:

• Supergroup A: Tom Morello, Nuno Bettencourt, Jake E. Lee, David Ellefson, Mike Bordin, Adam Wakeman, Lzzy Hale, David Draiman, Scott Ian, Frank Bello, Whitfield Crane, Sleep Token’s II & Yungblud

• Supergroup B: Billy Corgan, Sammy Hagar, K.K. Downing, Adam Jones, Rudy Sarzo, Adam Wakeman, Vernon Reid, Chad Smith, Steven Tyler, Ronnie Wood & Andrew Watt

• Drum-Off Supergroup: Travis Barker, Danny Carey, Chad Smith, Tom Morello, Rudy Sarzo & Nuno Bettencourt

Missed it? You can still catch the final sets from both Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, as well as all the tribute performances to Sabbath’s enduring legacy.