As fans gathered for a monumental night of music honoring the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, a surprising backstage revelation has now come to light. Sharon Osbourne, longtime manager of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, disclosed that a well-known band was removed from the performance lineup of the “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert. The reason? A dispute over money.
The event, held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, on July 5, marked the final Black Sabbath performance with Ozzy Osbourne. While the celebration drew an all-star lineup of rock and metal legends, one unnamed band was abruptly cut from the show. According to Sharon Osbourne, the band and its management were seeking to profit from the event, a motive she found unacceptable for what was intended to be a tribute to Ozzy’s decades-long journey with Sabbath.
Rather than compromising the spirit of the occasion, Sharon made the difficult decision to drop the band. The fallout led to tension between her and the group’s manager, leaving her emotionally drained in the lead-up to the concert. She later hinted that fans would be shocked to learn which band had been removed, though she has not publicly revealed the name yet.
The Mystery Band Isn’t Iron Maiden
In the days following the announcement, heavy metal fans across social media began to speculate about the identity of the band. A popular theory that quickly circulated suggested Iron Maiden might have been the group in question. However, that speculation was swiftly debunked by Sharon Osbourne herself.
Sharon made it clear that Iron Maiden was not involved in the controversy. In fact, she emphasized the mutual respect between Ozzy and the members of Iron Maiden, highlighting that there was no animosity between the two iconic acts. The clarification helped redirect the conversation, though it still left the mystery of the removed band unsolved.
The Emotional Toll of the Dispute
The removal of the unnamed band wasn’t just a logistical matter — it deeply affected Sharon personally. As someone who has managed her husband’s career for decades, and played a crucial role in orchestrating this final Black Sabbath show, Sharon revealed that the situation took a heavy emotional toll on her.
The dispute with the manager of the dropped band escalated to the point where Sharon felt emotionally attacked and unfairly portrayed. The other party reportedly began spreading false stories about her, which she found deeply upsetting, especially given the importance of the concert. Still, she stood firm in her decision, believing that the integrity of the event was more important than appeasing anyone seeking personal financial gain.
“Back to the Beginning” – A Farewell Like No Other
Despite the behind-the-scenes tensions, the concert itself was an unforgettable night for fans of heavy metal and rock. Held in Birmingham — the birthplace of Black Sabbath — the July 5 concert was billed as “Back to the Beginning,” a symbolic nod to the band’s roots and a full-circle moment in their legendary career.
This final performance marked the first time the original lineup of Black Sabbath had reunited on stage since their “The End Tour” concluded in the same city in 2017. The show was a powerful tribute not just to Ozzy, but to the band that changed the face of rock music. It was also a celebration of more than 50 years of influence, energy, and impact in the world of heavy metal.
In true rock ‘n’ roll fashion, the night featured appearances from several of the biggest names in the genre. Acts such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and other legendary artists joined in the celebration, making the event a historic gathering of musical giants.
The crowd was treated to some of Black Sabbath’s most iconic tracks, including “War Pigs,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid.” Each song carried a weight of nostalgia and gratitude, resonating deeply with the audience. In addition to performing with his band, Ozzy also delivered a selection of his most well-loved solo tracks such as “Mr. Crowley,” “I Don’t Know,” “Suicide Solution,” “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” and the timeless anthem “Crazy Train.”
Health Challenges Didn’t Stop Ozzy from Taking the Stage
Ozzy Osbourne’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he publicly disclosed in 2020, has had a significant impact on his physical capabilities. In recent years, he has struggled with mobility, requiring multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. Despite these challenges, Ozzy was determined to take part in the farewell concert.
To accommodate his condition, a custom throne designed with a gothic bat motif and skulls on the armrests was crafted for Ozzy, allowing him to perform seated throughout the show. This symbol of resilience and rock royalty became one of the standout visual moments of the night.
Although he couldn’t perform a full set due to his health, Ozzy gave it everything he had, showing incredible spirit and emotion on stage. His appearance was especially significant considering he had been unable to perform at the Power Trip Festival in 2023 and missed his induction performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
A Bittersweet Ending for a Musical Era
Ozzy Osbourne has been candid about his limitations in recent years, sharing that he would only perform when he felt physically capable and emotionally ready. For this concert, he reportedly committed himself entirely to the moment, giving what he called “120%” during rehearsals and the performance itself.
The “Back to the Beginning” concert served not only as a public goodbye but also as a personal closure for Ozzy, his family, and the millions of fans who followed him throughout his extraordinary journey. The concert highlighted his passion, grit, and refusal to let illness define the end of his legacy.
What’s Next for Sharon and Ozzy?
With the final chapter of Black Sabbath officially closed, fans are now left wondering what lies ahead for Sharon and Ozzy. While new performances are unlikely given Ozzy’s health, his music and influence will continue to live on. Sharon Osbourne has hinted that she may eventually reveal more about the behind-the-scenes tensions that led to the dropped band, but for now, she’s focusing on what the night truly meant — honoring a legend.
The July 5 concert will go down in music history as one of the most heartfelt farewells ever witnessed in rock — a tribute to the enduring power of Black Sabbath, the tenacity of Ozzy Osbourne, and the unwavering devotion of their fans.
