Godsmack's SULLY ERNA Pays Tribute to OZZY OSBOURNE: 'Another Childhood Hero Has Taken His Final Bow'

Summary

• Godsmack’s Sully Erna shares a personal tribute to Ozzy Osbourne following his final performance at Villa Park in Birmingham.
• The ‘Back to the Beginning’ show featured a solo set by Ozzy and a reunion with Black Sabbath’s original lineup.
• Over 5 million watched the livestream; proceeds from the event support three major charities and included an online auction.

Godsmack singer Sully Erna has shared a heartfelt message honoring Ozzy Osbourne, following the rock icon’s final show in Birmingham, England.

The “Back to the Beginning” concert on July 5 marked the end of an era, as Ozzy performed one last time for over 40,000 fans at Villa Park.

In a post on Monday (July 7) (see below), Erna thanked Ozzy and his wife, Sharon Osbourne, for changing his life and giving Godsmack their big break. “It’s hard to believe this moment in time has finally come,” Erna wrote. “Another childhood hero of mine has taken his final bow.”

Erna recalled being invited to join the Ozzfest tour in 1999 and again in 2000, plus opening for Black Sabbath that same year. He credited Ozzy and Sharon with helping launch Godsmack’s career and said their support gave the band a path in the music industry.

“Thank you for giving us that opportunity and changing our lives forever,” he said. “Like so many artists, I love you for being a major part of my rock ’n’ roll family and memories.”

Erna praised Ozzy as a fearless performer who “stood tall” and thrilled thousands every night. He also credited Sharon for holding everything together and helping Ozzy continue performing through the years.

“I’m just a grain of sand,” Erna added, “but proud to be part of the mountain that is Ozzy.”

Global Farewell

Ozzy’s final show was streamed to more than 5 million people around the world, according to The Guardian. The livestream was produced by Mercury Studios and delivered through Kiswe, the same platform used by BTS for their massive global streams.

The 76-year-old rocker, who has Parkinson’s disease, performed five solo songs seated on a black throne. His set included fan favorites like “I Don’t Know”, “Mr. Crowley”, “Suicide Solution”, “Crazy Train”, and “Mama, I’m Coming Home”.

After that, Ozzy reunited with original Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for a four-song set: “War Pigs”, “Iron Man”, “N.I.B.”, and “Paranoid.”

During the emotional finale, Ozzy thanked fans for their support and was presented with a cake as fireworks lit up the sky. A message on the stadium screen read: “Thank you for everything, you guys are f-ing amazing. Birmingham Forever.”

Star-Studded Lineup

The event, curated by Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, featured some of the biggest names in rock and metal. Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb of God, and Anthrax all took the stage.

Two one-off supergroups performed tribute sets. Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme played five cover songs. Former Ozzy guitarist Jake E. Lee joined for renditions of “The Ultimate Sin” and “Shot in the Dark.”

Other surprise appearances included K.K. Downing (ex-Judas Priest), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Adam Jones (Tool), and Vernon Reid (Living Colour). Papa V Perpetua, aka Tobias Forge of Ghost, handled vocals on “Bark at the Moon.”

The show was hosted by actor Jason Momoa and produced by Live Nation. All profits from the concert will be split between three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.

An online auction ran alongside the event, offering signed guitars, a Guns N’ Roses pinball machine, and gold records from iconic bands including Metallica, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath.

Livestream access was priced at $29.99, or $64.98 for a bundle that included a “Back to the Beginning” T-shirt. Viewers had 48 hours to rewatch the show.

Ozzy’s final bow closed the book on a five-decade career that helped shape heavy metal. For Erna, and millions of fans, it was the end of something that changed their lives.

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