When Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, the music world mourned the loss of a generation-defining artist and the defining heavy metal pioneer.
But 17 days earlier, fans, loved ones, and Osbourne’s greatest collaborators met for a star-studded and highly
emotional farewell tribute concert. Over 44,000 fans swarmed Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham, England, and watched groups like Metallica, Mastodon, Slayer, and Guns N’ Roses bid a musical farewell to Osbourne in the Villa Park stadium. It was also Osbourne’s final performance, a bittersweet solo moment and the reunion of Black Sabbath’s original lineup playing together for the first time in almost 20 years. The 10-hour event became the two-hour concert film Ozzy Osbourne & Black Sabbath: Back to the Beginning, out in theaters today.
Those without tickets — or fans desperate to relive the concert again and against — don’t have to fret. Mercury Studios announced Wednesday that the full-length film version and soundtrack of Back to the Beginning will be available in digital and physical forms on December 11, including 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, CD, and vinyl. Physical versions of the film will include behind the scenes footage of the event and video tributes from Dolly Parton and AC/DC. You can preorder copies here.
In a rare interview earlier this month, Sharon Osbourne told Rolling Stone that Osbourne was incredibly proud of the concert and while it was difficult to watch, she believes it will be an important musical artifact. “It’s bittersweet. It’s amazing. Everything about the show was amazing and just a joyous occasion and one that will go down in music history,” she said. “It’s just something that will stand the test of time. It was groundbreaking for what it was. Like everything with Ozzy, he’s the first.”
According to Sharon, Osbourne’s medical team advised him against doing the concert but the heavy metal legend insisted. “They advised us not to do the show. They said it would kill him. We were all together and Ozzy said, “It’s not an option. It’s what I want.” He said, “I know I’m dying. If I miss a few months of my life, I want to go this way. This is what I want.” It was his wishes and we went through it,” Sharon said. “He was very, very emotional. But you know what? It was beautiful too. It was amazing. How lucky was he to go out that way? I say he went out like a Viking. It was the way he wanted.”
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