French progressive metal titans Gojira made a powerful statement with a four-song performance at Black Sabbath‘s “Back To The Beginning” charity event on Saturday, July 5th. Held at Villa Park, home of the Aston Villa Football Club, the band’s appearance was a notable addition to the star-studded tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath‘s enduring legacy.
Gojira opened their set with fan favorites “Stranded” and “Silvera,” showcasing their signature blend of intricate technicality and crushing grooves. The highlight of their performance, however, was the inclusion of “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)“—a metal adaptation of the historic French Revolution-era standard “Ah! Ça Ira!” This particular track gained significant global attention after Gojira performed it at last year’s Olympic Games opening ceremony.
As was the case at the Olympic Games, Gojira was joined on stage by acclaimed opera singer Marina Viotti, whose powerful vocals seamlessly intertwined with the band’s heavy sound. Viotti not only demonstrated her impressive vocal range but also engaged enthusiastically with the metal energy, even partaking in some spirited headbanging.
Gojira‘s full setlist for the event included:
- “Stranded“
- “Silvera“
- “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!)” (featuring Marina Viotti)
- “Under The Sun“
The prior Olympic Games performance of “Ah! Ça Ira,” featuring Gojira and Viotti, was a visually striking spectacle. It took place outside the Conciergerie, a historic former prison and residence for French kings, where Queen Marie Antoinette was held before her execution in 1793. The performance famously incorporated visual elements, including figures representing the beheaded Queen Marie Antoinette, adding a dramatic and historical depth to the musical presentation. This unique collaboration later earned Gojira and Viotti a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2025.
The “Back To The Beginning” event itself was a nine-hour spectacle, hosted by actor Jason Momoa. Over 40,000 fans attended to witness the historic reunion of Black Sabbath‘s original members—Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward—performing together for the first time in 20 years. The concert, curated by Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, featured an unparalleled lineup of rock and metal bands, including Ozzy‘s solo band, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb of God, and Anthrax. Proceeds from the show are being equally shared among three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
