Metallica unleashed an electrifying set at Birmingham’s Villa Park for the epic Back to the Beginning event, a massive gathering honoring Black Sabbath’s enduring influence on heavy music. Their six-song performance was a fusion of Black Sabbath classics and some of Metallica’s most beloved hits, creating a high-octane atmosphere that reverberated through the stadium all night.

Rare Sabbath Covers and Metallica Classics

The night began with “Hole in the Sky” from Sabbath’s Sabotage, a track Metallica hadn’t played in over ten years. They kept the surprises coming with “Johnny Blade” off Never Say Die!—a deep cut they performed live for the firstime ever. Alongside these rare Sabbath tributes, Metallica energized the crowd with their own explosive tracks, including “Creeping Death,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Battery,” and the legendary “Master of Puppets.”

A Star-Studded Celebration of Sabbath’s Legacy

This historic festival showcased not only Metallica but a constellation of rock and metal giants. The lineup boasted acts like Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Alice in Chains, along with unique supergroups assembled just for the occasion, each performing their own take on Black Sabbath’s iconic catalog. As the night progressed, anticipation built for Ozzy Osbourne’s final solo appearance, which led into a highly emotional reunion with the original Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—sharing the stage for the first time since 2005.

The energy in the stadium soared as Metallica navigated their diverse setlist, taking the audience on a journey through the roots of heavy metal and their own storied career. With each riff and drumbeat, the crowd was drawn further into the celebration, making it a night no one would soon forget. The synergy between band and fans was palpable throughout the performance.

Metallica, 7/5/25, Back to the Beginning Set List:
1. “Hole in the Sky”
2. “Creeping Death”
3. “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
4. “Johnny Blade”
5. “Battery”
6. “Master of Puppets”

One of the most talked-about highlights was the unexpected inclusion of Sabbath’s “Johnny Blade,” with fans and critics alike praising Metallica’s ability to pay homage while injecting their own fierce energy. The band’s signature stage presence—James Hetfield’s commanding vocals, Kirk Hammett’s blistering solos, and the thunderous rhythm section—was on full display, captivating even longtime Sabbath devotees.

With each song, Metallica balanced reverence for Black Sabbath’s legacy with their own raw intensity. The set was a thrilling reminder of how Sabbath’s pioneering sound laid the groundwork for generations of metal bands, Metallica included. Their performance felt like both a tribute and a celebration, merging past and present in spectacular fashion.

The festival crowd responded to every note, and as Metallica closed out with “Master of Puppets,” the energy inside Villa Park was at a fever pitch. For fans, the night served as a powerful tribute to the genre’s forebears and a rallying cry for the enduring spirit of heavy metal. It was more than just a concert—it was a historic gathering of music’s titans.

The festival crowd responded to every note, and as Metallica closed out with “Master of Puppets,” the energy inside Villa Park was at a fever pitch. For fans, the night served as a powerful tribute to the genre’s forebears and a rallying cry for the enduring spirit of heavy metal. It was more than just a concert—it was a historic gathering of music’s titans.

Looking back, the event was a celebration of metal’s history and future, where generations came together for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Metallica’s dynamic set was a standout, reminding everyone that while eras may change, the spirit of heavy metal is alive and as fierce as ever at Villa Park.

As the final chords echoed through the venue, fans were left in awe at the magnitude of the evening. Metallica’s performance not only honored Black Sabbath’s legendary run but also reinforced their own place in rock history. Their ability to both channel and expand upon Sabbath’s influence proved why Metallica continues to be a driving force in the world of heavy music.

Looking back, the event was a celebration of metal’s history and future, where generations came together for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Metallica’s dynamic set was a standout, reminding everyone that while eras may change, the spirit of heavy metal is alive and as fierce as ever at Villa Park.