The best photos from Black Sabbath's farewell

Image source, Ross Halfin
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Ozzy Osbourne, 76, performed his farewell show on a black throne.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
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The farewell show's all-star line-up included the US rock band Anthrax, with guitarist Frank Bello rocking out here.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
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Many fans who went to the show, like Ethan, Arron, Harry and Sean here, dressed the part, looking like rock stars themselves.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
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Fans Craig and Camilla arrived for the gig ready to rock!
Image source, Ross Halfin
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The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood was part of a supergroup at the show, which also included Aerosmith's Steven Tyler.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
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This Black Sabbath fan had a tattoo in Ozzy's honour.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
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Black Sabbath hold a special place in fan's hearts as they are seen as the founding fathers of heavy metal.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
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One Black Sabbath fan, Jen, even wore her Ozzy socks to the gig.

Shyamantha Asokan

BBC News, West Midlands

6 July 2025

It was the heavy metal gig to, for many fans, end all heavy metal gigs as Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath bade farewell to live performing supported by a host of legendary music acts in front of 40,000 fans.

The group, formed in Birmingham in 1968, rocked out Villa Park in a homecoming gig that had created a huge buzz in the city in recent weeks.

They were joined by acts including Metallica, Guns N' Roses and Slayer with guest appearances from the likes of Ronnie Wood, Steven Tyler and Jack Black.

Fans travelled from across the world and sported their own rockstar outfits for the farewell - with everything from tattoos to socks bearing Osbourne's name or image.

A man stands behind a drumkit on a stage and holds his arms up to a large crowd. He is wearing all black and a black baseball cap that is on backwards. — Image caption,
US heavy metal band Metallica also played at the show

A beach-ball bounces over the head of crowds of concert-goers at the gig — Image caption,
Thousands of fans packed Villa Park for the legendary concert

The legendary frontman, 76, who has Parkinson's disease, sang while seated on a black throne.

"I don't know what to say, man, I've been laid up for like six years...thank you from the bottom of my heart," he told the crowd.

"You are the best, each and every one of you."

A huge sea of people are seen in the stadium, lit up by red lights from the stage — Image caption,
Tickets for the concert sold out well in advance

Famous musicians and celebrities sent in video messages that were played at the show, alongside messages from fans.

"You are one of the most remarkable singers of our time," Sir Elton John told Osbourne in his message.

"You've been through so much crap in the last few years - I hope this is the best day of your life so far."

Red and yellow fireworks light up the stadium. — Image caption,
Fireworks lit up the stadium as Black Sabbath bade farewell to their fans

On Sunday, fans were still milling around the city, taking in the Ozzy and Sabbath shrines - including the mural which the band hand-signed on Navigation Street.

"I've never seen Ozzy before, it was my first time and obviously the last time, but I couldn't wish of wished for anything better," said Daisy Clemson from Blackburn.

"It's been great just seeing all the metal fans, all the t-shirts, the sense of community - it's been fantastic.. everybody we've spoken to has been lovely."

Bill Fernandes, from Atlanta, Georgia, said it was "the best show ever".

"I've gone to a lot of shows over the years, and this one was special.

"It was something else, it was a religious experience."

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