Metallica electrified the crowd at Birmingham, England’s iconic Villa Park during the monumental Back to the Beginning concert, which celebrated the legendary band Black Sabbath. Their thrilling six-song set showcased a dynamic mix of Sabbath classics and their own timeless hits, effectively energizing the audience and setting the stage for the evening’s major performances. Fans were treated to a nostalgic journey through rock history, as Metallica expertly blended their signature sound with the essence of Black Sabbath.

For a closer look at their setlist and to watch fan-shot footage of their captivating performance, you can check out the links provided below.

Opening their set with the beloved Sabbath classic “Hole in the Sky,” Metallica delivered a powerful rendition that had not been performed live since 2009. Additionally, they explored the deep cuts of the Sabbath catalog by covering “Johnny Blade” from the Never Say Die! album, marking an exciting first live performance of this track, which delighted long-time fans.

READ MORE: Discover Who Covered Which Black Sabbath Songs at Ozzy’s Final Show

Alongside these iconic covers, Metallica also included their own legendary tracks such as “Creeping Death,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Battery,” and “Master of Puppets,” showcasing their unique ability to blend their music with the heavy metal legacy of Black Sabbath.

Explore the Star-Studded Lineup of Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning Concert

Metallica was just one highlight among a plethora of esteemed rock and metal icons who graced the stage during the Back to the Beginning concert. This all-day musical extravaganza also featured unforgettable performances from legendary bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Alice in Chains, and a variety of special “supergroups” covering Black Sabbath classics.

READ MORE: Watch Guns N’ Roses Deliver Four Powerful Black Sabbath Covers

The spotlight also shone on the dual headliners of the event: a highly anticipated solo set from Ozzy Osbourne, which was billed as his final performance, and the historic reunion of Black Sabbath‘s original lineup featuring Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. This marked their first live performance together since 2005, making it a truly momentous occasion in rock history.

Watch Metallica Enthrall Fans with ‘Hole in the Sky’ at Back to the Beginning

Watch Metallica Deliver an Epic Performance of ‘Master of Puppets’ at Back to the Beginning

Metallica’s Back to the Beginning Set List on July 5, 2025
1. “Hole in the Sky”
2. “Creeping Death”
3. “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
4. “Johnny Blade”
5. “Battery”
6. “Master of Puppets”