Metallica Lights Up Villa Park with Explosive Set Honoring Black Sabbath
Metallica unleashed an electrifying six-song set at Birmingham’s Villa Park, joining a historic lineup of rock titans for the Back to the Beginning concert—a massive tribute celebrating the enduring legacy of Black Sabbath. With a crowd buzzing from wall to wall, Metallica delivered both nostalgia and raw power in a performance that blended Sabbath rarities with their own signature classics.
Digging Deep into Sabbath’s Vault
The night began with a thunderous rendition of “Hole in the Sky,” a classic cut from Black Sabbath’s 1975 Sabotage album. It was a bold opener—and a rarity. Metallica hadn’t touched the track live in over ten years, making it a highlight for longtime fans.
Then came an even bigger surprise: their first-ever live performance of “Johnny Blade,” a deep cut from Sabbath’s Never Say Die! album. The moment marked a deep nod to Sabbath’s broader discography—one often overshadowed by the band’s more famous tracks. Metallica’s interpretation was gritty, tight, and reverent, capturing the song’s eerie energy with a modern edge.
A Thunderous Blast of Metallica’s Best
In addition to the Sabbath tributes, Metallica tore through four of their own fan favorites: “Creeping Death,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Battery,” and the enduring closer, “Master of Puppets.” Each song ignited the crowd, with frontman James Hetfield commanding the stage as Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo unleashed relentless waves of sound.
The band struck a balance between honoring the past and owning the present—never losing sight of the night’s celebratory spirit while staying true to their own roots.
A Night of Legends and Firsts
Metallica shared the spotlight with a who’s who of rock royalty. Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Alice in Chains, and a series of hand-picked “supergroups” also delivered explosive Sabbath-themed sets throughout the day. Yet the emotional crescendo of the night came when Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for what was billed as his final solo performance.
That moment was followed by a historic reunion: the first live appearance of Black Sabbath’s original lineup—Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—since 2005. For many in the crowd, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Metallica’s Setlist – July 5, 2025 | Back to the Beginning Festival
- “Hole in the Sky” (Black Sabbath cover)
- “Creeping Death”
- “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
- “Johnny Blade” (Black Sabbath cover – live debut)
- “Battery”
- “Master of Puppets”
In a concert designed to honor the past while igniting the present, Metallica’s performance stood as both a tribute and a triumph—a reminder that the spirit of heavy metal lives on, louder than ever.Metallica Ignites the Final Black Sabbath Show with a Blistering 6-Song Set of Deep Cuts and Fan Favorites in a Soul-Shaking Tribute That Rocked Birmingham’s Villa Park to Its Core
