On July 5, 2025, rock history was rewritten at Villa Park Stadium in Birmingham, UK, when Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath reunited for one final, unforgettable show: “Back to the Beginning.” Yet even among so many iconic moments, it was Ozzy’s solo performance of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” that hushed the 40,000-strong crowd and brought many to tears.
A Farewell Woven into Song
First released on Ozzy’s 1991 album No More Tears, “Mama, I’m Coming Home” has long stood out for its vulnerable lyrics and heartfelt delivery. Co-written by Ozzy, Zakk Wylde, and Lemmy Kilmister, the track reveals a softer side of the Prince of Darkness—a tender ode to home, family, and the journey that forged him. As the opening chords rang out, it felt less like a performance and more like a personal letter shared with everyone present.
The Power of Presence
Perched on a custom bat-themed throne—an homage to his legendary stage persona—Ozzy delivered every line with remarkable clarity and feeling. Despite years of health battles, including his public struggle with Parkinson’s disease, his voice remained strong, resonant, and unmistakably grateful. Each note carried the weight of decades spent shaping the sound of rock and metal, and each word reminded fans why they fell in love with his music in the first place.
Birmingham’s Unforgettable Evening
Returning to Black Sabbath’s hometown made the night even more poignant. Over 40,000 devoted fans filled the stands, while millions more tuned in via livestream. When the gentle melody of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” began, the stadium lights dimmed, phone flashlights dotted the crowd like stars, and a hush fell over everyone. Fans held homemade signs, swayed in unison, and let the emotional weight of the moment wash over them. Many describe it as “spiritual” and “once-in-a-lifetime.”
More Than a Final Bow
Though this may have been Ozzy’s last performance on such a vast stage, his influence remains immortal. From the ominous riffs of “War Pigs” to the high-octane roar of “Crazy Train,” and culminating in this tender farewell, Ozzy Osbourne’s music has bridged generations. He didn’t just exit with a blaze of glory—he closed this chapter of his career with an open heart.
Watch the full video of Ozzy Osbourne’s emotional performance below: