The thrill, eagerness, and collective sense of privilege to be among approximately 30,000 fans at Villa Park at 11am has transformed into something tangible, something almost touchable, like… a massive inflatable Ozzy positioned outside the stadium's main Holte End concourse. Aston Villa is the origin point for Black Sabbath, so having their final performance here, 55 years later, is not just nostalgic; it feels essential and adds a weighty significance to an already deeply emotional and musically rich day. Everyone present is aware that today’s lineup – an impressive roster of rock and heavy metal legends – is poised to be remarkable, yet no one can truly predict how the day would unfold. How would Axl Rose – or anyone, for that matter – manage to get on stage with merely a seven-minute changeover? Who would be featured in the two(!) supergroups announced? And what about the ‘drum off’? Countless names had been hinted at beyond the ‘official bill’, leading to rampant speculation even before the event commenced; what ensues in the subsequent hours is beyond belief. Expectations are not only met but propelled into the stratosphere, with the first inkling of surprises arriving before Mastodon even takes the stage: the pre-show and interlude music is DJ'd by Slipknot’s Sid Wilson (who is not listed on the poster). This isn’t merely another concert: it’s an 11-hour festivity, and everyone is in attendance.
Mastodon’s explosive three-song, 15-minute set includes two of their most beloved tracks – ‘Blood Tongue’ and ‘Blood And Thunder’ – leading into a powerful rendition of Sabbath’s ‘Supernaut’ and several heartfelt tributes (the first of many throughout the day) to Black Sabbath and Ozzy. As they exit the stage, the massive logistical and production machinery – impressive in its scale – gears up and sets the tempo for the remainder of the day. The backdrop rises, a custom stage rotates 180º, the backdrop lowers again, final adjustments are made, and a completely new backline is set up for the next act in under seven minutes. And the show continues.
The day reveals itself as a rapid succession of high-energy performances from some of the most prominent heavy metal bands still performing; and even if that was all that transpired, everyone would likely leave satisfied. However, this isn’t just a concert; it’s a celebration. After intense sets from Lamb of God, Halestorm – notably the only band featuring a female member – and Rival Sons, the event escalates with the first of two supergroups taking the stage. Halestorm’s Lizzy Hale leads an ensemble including Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), David Ellefson (Megadeth), Jake E Lee, and Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne) in a cover of Ozzy’s ‘The Ultimate Sin’. She subsequently introduces the day’s first somewhat controversial booking, David Draiman, who receives boos from the crowd following his recent support of the IDF. Following two more covers, Anthrax’s Frank Bello takes over on bass, Sleep Token’s ii is on drums, and the mic is handed to Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe) for ‘Believer’, before YUNGBLUD – a surprising and divisive addition, given the legacy and status of the other acts – delivers a noteworthy version of ‘Changes’.
Throughout the day, changeovers frequently feature big-screen video messages to Ozzy and Sabbath from luminaries like Def Leppard, Judas Priest, Elton John, Marilyn Manson – another questionable choice – and even Dolly Parton (to considerable applause), underscoring Black Sabbath's far-reaching influence and the significance of today’s event. Later, Alice In Chains’ performance – featuring ‘Would?’ – is outstanding; Gojira powers through ‘Mea culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)’ alongside opera singer Marina Vlotti; and Tom Morello’s son Roman introduces a pre-recorded video of him and Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian’s son Revel performing Ozzy’s ‘Mr Crowley’, with Jack Black on vocals.
A three-way 'drum off' segment delivers the biggest surprise yet, as blink-182’s Travis Barker and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith – neither of whom were announced beforehand – join Tool’s Danny Carey on stage, each attempting to outdo the other; the frenetic pace and array of surprises continue. Witnessing Judas Priest’s guitarist KK Downing and Tom Morello perform ‘Breaking The Law’ with Billy Corgan on vocals creates a truly memorable moment, followed by Ronnie Wood and Stephen Tyler’s appearance, leaving 30,000 spectators in astonishment as they, along with Tom Morello, perform ‘The Train Kept A-Rollin’’, and subsequently ‘Walk This Way’ and Led Zeppelin’s ‘
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This isn't merely another performance: it's an 11-hour celebration, and everyone is in attendance.