Early 2026: a cinematic farewell to a legeng
Ozzy Osbourne’s emotional farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, recorded 5 July 2025 at Villa Park in Birmingham, will be released as a full-length concert film in movie theaters early next year. Not just a compilation of sets, the 100-minute feature is presented as “a love letter to Ozzy and the pioneering sound of Black Sabbath,” and includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews
What to expect on-screen
Fans will witness Ozzy delivering final renditions of classics like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “Children of the Grave,” and the climactic “Paranoid,” following his solo performance. The film captures his trademark stage presence—seated on a throne due to advanced Parkinson’s—and the reunion of the original Sabbath lineup. Additionally, you'll see surprise performances by rock icons: Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, and more
A historic day of giving
Hosted by Jason Momoa with Tom Morello as musical director, this was more than a concert—it was a philanthropist’s dream. The event raised an astonishing £140 million ($190 million), making it the highest-grossing charity concert ever, benefiting Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice, and Cure Parkinson’s Trust
Behind the scenes: band dynamics and health stakes
Tony Iommi revealed that the band hesitated letting Ozzy perform both his solo set and reunion show, given his fragile health. The show featured ongoing uncertainty—“it was really a case of how long Ozzy could do it,” Iommi said—but the Prince of Darkness persevered with steely resolve.
What’s next for fans and home viewers
Following its theatrical debut, the concert film will later be available on DVD and Blu-ray in 2026. In tandem, a new Paramount+ documentary titled No Escape From Now—showing Ozzy's health battles and triumphant return—will add context to the film’s emotional journey.
🎬 What This Means for Metal Historians
Back to the Beginning is more than just a performance—it’s a culmination. The film captures Ozzy’s powerful resilience, the original Sabbath lineup's final embrace, and the unity of the metal community in raising millions for charity. Whether you watched live or wish you had, this film promises a definitive tribute you won’t want to miss.
