As we gather to celebrate the monumental Back to the Beginning concert, a historic event marking the final live performances of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, there are several heartfelt sentiments we wish to express — foremost, our deepest gratitude.

The legacy of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne is rich and profound, filled with remarkable achievements that have left an indelible mark on the music world. While we could lavish praise upon their contributions once more, this moment allows us to reflect on the emotional weight of bidding farewell. Saying goodbye is a complex ritual filled with nostalgia, and it’s a challenge we find ourselves facing again, despite having navigated similar farewells in the past.

Coming to terms with the concept of finality can be deeply unsettling. As human beings, we often struggle with the idea that something can truly come to an end. This feeling is magnified in today’s digital age, where the illusion of permanence through digital preservation complicates our ability to accept that some things are meant to conclude. The emotional struggle of letting go is intensified when faced with the reality of change.

Indeed, Black Sabbath has been dormant since 2017, and Ozzy Osbourne has encountered numerous health challenges that have sidelined him. Yet, we’ve always held onto the hope of a potential comeback. Now that the moment has arrived, it feels overwhelming, as this chapter of our lives closes with a bittersweet finality.

The culmination of this journey is fittingly marked by an event that brings together the biggest names in rock and metal, all of whom have drawn inspiration from the legendary artists hailing from Birmingham. This unity is a testament to the shared love and respect we, as fans of Black Sabbath, understand deeply. It transcends genres — from metalheads and punks to rockers, indie kids, grunge enthusiasts, and even hippies — all have found common ground under the banner of Black Sabbath.

Music is often referred to as a universal language, and while various genres can be seen as dialects, for countless fans, Black Sabbath represents the foundational language of heavy metal. As the pioneers of this genre, they created powerful riffs that resonated with audiences, and their music is characterized by a unique blend of swing, groove, and compelling lyrics. Their themes range from introspective and political to whimsical and joyous, effectively drawing in listeners from diverse backgrounds while maintaining a heavy sound that never alienated their audience.

As we approach the end of this remarkable narrative, which will undoubtedly be recounted for generations, we recognize that future fans will perceive Black Sabbath as a legendary figure in the history of metal. This concluding chapter is marked by a historic assembly of rock and metal legends, echoing the profound impact of Sabbath and their innovative sound that redefined guitar music forever.

The final gathering features the original four members of the pioneering heavy metal band, one last time, solidifying their legacy in music history.

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The emotional whirlwind and tears that may flow from even the most stoic faces in the music community convey one powerful message — thank you.

We express our gratitude for your sacrifices. Thank you for your visionary contributions.

Thank you for allowing us to see the world through your artistic perspectives and for reflecting our experiences in the mirrors you’ve held up for us. Your influence on heavy metal and on all who have followed the path you carved is immeasurable.

Thank you for your calls for peace and love. Thank you for your unwavering perseverance. Thank you for exemplifying what reconciliation truly means.

We appreciate the thunderous RIFFS! Thank you for Ozzfest! A special thanks to Ozzy for cooling us off during sweltering concerts with fire hoses and buckets of water! Thank you for both doom metal and stoner metal! Thanks for the pantheon of guitar gods that emerged, from Tony Iommi to Ozzy’s solo virtuosos Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, and Zakk Wylde!

Thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities with us. Thank you for spending countless nights crammed into bunks on tour buses, traveling across the country to perform for us in our communities.

Thank you for dedicating your lives to the world of rock ‘n’ roll!

Thank you… for everything.

To Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — tonight belongs to you. This moment will be etched in history, just as the remarkable 55 years of metal that preceded it. We hope you feel the warmth and love from fans around the globe as you take the stage for one last performance.

We cherish you all!