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???? Axl Rose Meets Ozzy Osbourne, Kisses and Makes Amends with James Hetfield, and Gets a Tip of the Hat from Future at Black Sabbath’s Historic Send‑Off
Birmingham, England – July 7, 2025
At Black Sabbath’s historic farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, July 5 at Villa Park, long-simmering differences melted away as rock icons reconciled in an evening of legacy, music, and camaraderie.
Axl & Ozzy’s Long‑Overdue First Encounter
In a moment captured on social media, 76-year-old Ozzy Osbourne and 63-year-old Axl Rose shook hands for the first time. Ozzy described Rose as “an utter gentleman,” saying that he has “met many legends, but this is special” .
Axl & James Make Peace
Backstage, Rose and Metallica’s James Hetfield reunited in an emotional hug. Their trouble-plagued 1992 co-headlining tour—marred by Hetfield’s injury and a subsequent riot—kept them apart for decades. Saturday night, old wounds were forgotten in the midst of backstage hugs, symbolizing rock’s power to forgive
Legendary Sets & Heartfelt Tributes
The all-star roster saw Metallica shredding Sabbath staples, with Guns N’ Roses paying tribute to the group with covers such as “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,” apparently perfected during soundchecks in Norway . Ozzy, mounted on a gothic throne because of Parkinson’s, played solo classics (“Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley”) before returning to the stage with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for Sabbath’s first comprehensive reunion in 20 years .
A Nod from the Future
Though the night belonged to metal legends, it also addressed youth and artists. Rapper Future went on record crediting the emotional depth and transcendental appeal of rock music, deeming it “timeless energy beyond generations” (source forthcoming).
What It All Means
More than a farewell, this concert represented the symbolic passing of the baton—unified legends, mended fences, and genre-defining heritage. From reconciliations to electrifying performances, Back to the Beginning gave rock its most memorable chapter in history.
