It was the heavy metal gig to, for many fans, end all heavy metal gigs as Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath bade farewell to live performing supported by a host of legendary music acts in front of 40,000 fans. The group, formed in Birmingham in 1968, rocked out Villa Park in a homecoming gig that had created a huge buzz in the city in recent weeks.

Heavy metal fans crossed continents to converge on Birmingham, England, and throw devil horns in honor of the Prince of Darkness and Black Sabbath.

Ozzy Osbourne ended his touring career in spectacular fashion Saturday night.

Birmingham was buzzing as Black Sabbath was set to take to the stage for one last time in their 'Back to the Beginning' concert at Villa Park. We captured heavy metal fans from across the globe enjoy the second city ahead of and during the major gig - in 51 brilliant photos.

Legendary Rocker Who’s Been Denied a Full Tribute to His Late Bandmate, Praises Ozzy, Black Sabbath Farewell Show originally appeared on Parade. Sammy Hagar is among the veteran musicians who took part in the “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, July 5 in Birmingham, England.

Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne will be playing what they maintain are their last concerts ever atop the all-star Back to the Beginning festival taking place Saturday, July 5, in their home town of Birmingham,