A landmark concert honouring Ozzy Osbourne's career made headlines not only for its performances but also for a behind-the-scenes decision that surprised fans.
Sharon Osbourne revealed that a band was removed from the Black Sabbath farewell show after their management requested payment. The move triggered widespread speculation, with many questioning whether the band in question was Iron Maiden.
Black Sabbath Farewell: Highlights From Ozzy Osbourne's Final Concert
The 'Back to the Beginning' concert took place on 5 July 2025 at Villa Park in Birmingham, bringing together the original Black Sabbath line-up: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. It was the group's first full performance together in two decades.
An audience of more than 40,000 attended the live show, with millions more streaming the event online. Featured acts included Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Alice in Chains, and Slayer, each performing renditions of Sabbath or solo Ozzy tracks. Hosted by Jason Momoa, the event was organised as a charity fundraiser, benefiting Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorns Children's Hospice.
Sharon Osbourne Removes Band From Ozzy's Final Show Over Payment Demands
Sharon Osbourne revealed that she had disinvited a well-known band from Ozzy Osbourne's final concert after its members 'wanted to make a profit.'
'It's not the time to make a profit,' she told Billboard.
Sharon said the band was removed following a dispute with its manager and added she would reveal their identity after the event. She described the situation as leaving her feeling 'the worst way I've felt in years.'
Iron Maiden Rumours Debunked: The Truth Behind the Removed Band
Following Sharon Osbourne's remarks about removing a band from Ozzy Osbourne's farewell concert, online speculation quickly pointed to Iron Maiden. This was likely fuelled by her well-documented feud with the band during the 2005 Ozzfest, when tensions between their teams became public.
In a 2025 interview with Metal Hammer, Sharon reflected on those past disputes but clarified they had no bearing on the current situation.
"Me and Ozzy were a team. I never thought, 'What about me?'" We chat to Sharon Osbourne about growing up in the music industry, her "confrontational" father, feuding with Iron Maiden and Billy Corgan and a whole load more https://t.co/JAmhR3LwMp
— Metal Hammer (@MetalHammer) June 6, 2025
This statement ruled out Iron Maiden's involvement in the incident, though the identity of the disinvited band remains unknown.
Ozzy Osbourne Farewell Show: Industry Reacts to Band Controversy
Sharon's decision to drop the unnamed band prompted responses across fan communities and parts of the music industry. Some noted the importance of preserving the charitable and commemorative purpose of the show, while others raised questions about performance expectations for tribute events of this scale.
The discussion also touched on broader issues around compensation, legacy concerts, and artistic integrity.
Ozzy Osbourne's Final Performance: An Emotional Farewell
Despite the controversy, the concert concluded with a full-length performance by Ozzy Osbourne. Seated due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease, Ozzy performed solo hits such as Crazy Train and Sabbath anthems like War Pigs and Paranoid.
@nkk666777 All aboaaaaaard!!!! #crazytrain #ozzyosbourne #backtothebeginning ♬ original sound - Nat ⭐️Music &Concerts⭐️
The performance received a strong reaction from fans and marked the culmination of a career spanning more than five decades. Ozzy expressed gratitude to fans for their support throughout his journey.
Identity of Removed Band Still Unknown
The identity of the band removed from the Black Sabbath farewell show has not yet been confirmed. Sharon Osbourne has stated that the name will be disclosed in due course. As of now, no official announcements have been made, and the situation remains the subject of online speculation and media attention.
