While Black Sabbath‘s “Back To The Beginning” concert on July 5th at Villa Park was designed as a monumental farewell for Ozzy Osbourne and the band’s original lineup, the event also became notable for its exceptionally high concession prices, which left many fans “stunned” and “fuming.” Punters attending the historic gig, which marked Ozzy Osbourne‘s final live performance and the first time the full band played together in two decades, faced costs that some likened to “festival-level rip-offs.”
Inside the venue, the cost of refreshments quickly became a talking point. A pint of Poretti lager was priced at £8, with a half pint available for £4. Somersby cider was not far behind at £7 per pint (£3.50 for a half). For those seeking stronger options, a draught Rum Punch cocktail cost £13. Even basic bottled water was sold for £3.50.
The steep pricing extended throughout the stadium. In the Doug Ellis stand, a Carlsberg Pilsner was £6.50, a glass of wine £7, and both a gin and tonic and a vodka lemonade were £7.50 each.
Food items were similarly subject to premium pricing. A sausage roll was £5, a steaky pasty £6.50, and Yardbirds chicken and chips commanded a hefty £15. Everyday essentials were also considerably marked up: a can of Coke for £3.50, a bar of chocolate for £2.50, and a bag of Walkers crisps for £2.20. Even hot beverages like tea (£3.95) and espresso (£4.50) contributed to the rising tab for attendees.
The price points drew significant backlash from concertgoers, many of whom took to social media to voice their frustration. One attendee summarized the sentiment, telling local media: “I knew it’d be expensive but £8 for a pint and £7 for chips? That’s taking the Mick.”
Another fan commented, “You expect a bit of markup, but this is madness. Ozzy’s not the only one going out with a bang – so is my bank account.” Some critics stated the prices “left a bad taste before the music even started.”
This dissatisfaction over onsite food and beverage pricing at “Back To The Beginning” follows earlier controversy surrounding the cost of VIP meet-and-greet packages featuring Ozzy Osbourne himself, slated for his upcoming appearance at Comic Con Midlands. The “Ultimate Sin” VIP package, priced at £666, included a group photo opportunity with Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne, though restricted to two individuals per photo (excluding children under five). Autographs were an additional charge: £225 for a signed book, £375 for a signed poster, album, or toy, and a substantial £750 for a guitar or microphone signature, bringing the total package cost for some items to £1,416.
Fan reaction to these VIP costs was equally fervent. One individual characterized the pricing as “Laughable prices, genuinely laughable,” while another joked: “Time to start selling me kidney.”
