Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale has offered a glimpse behind the curtain of Ozzy Osbourne‘s historic farewell concert, describing a backstage environment where rock n’ roll egos evaporated in deference to the “Prince of Darkness.”
In a newly released video interview with Guitar World, Hale and guitarist Joe Hottinger reflected on the emotional weight of the “Back To The Beginning” concert, which took place at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5. The massive event featured a “who’s who” of heavy music, including members of Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, and a reunited Black Sabbath.
Despite the staggering collection of rock royalty gathered in one location, Hale noted that the atmosphere during rehearsals was devoid of hierarchy.
“We were at rehearsals the day before,” Hale told Guitar World. “You’re hanging out with Steven Tyler; James [Hetfield] is there and Tom Morello and Axl Rose, but everybody was the same. No head was higher.”
Hale described the collective mood among the legendary musicians as “childlike” and “giddy,” driven by the shared realization that they were witnessing the end of an era. “I don’t think we’ll ever experience anything like that again,” she added.
The concert took on a tragic significance just weeks later when Osbourne passed away from a heart attack on July 22. Hottinger recalled the palpable emotion in the stadium as the musicians watched Ozzy perform his final set, unaware that it would truly be his last.
“It was just really special, especially […] Ozzy doing his last show,” Hottinger said. “We were out in the middle of the crowd, the Osbournes were behind us and a bunch of other band people, and it was emotional. You watched it: Ozzy singing ‘Mama, I’m Coming Home,’ and he was home. Everyone was crying.”
Halestorm played a unique role in the festivities, performing their original tracks “Love Bites (So Do I)” and “Rain Your Blood On Me,” alongside a cover of Osbourne‘s solo hit “Perry Mason.”
The band is currently touring Europe in support of their latest studio album, Everest, with remaining dates scheduled across the UK this week.
Halestorm 2025 European Tour Dates:
- Nov 17: Paris Olympia, France
- Nov 18: Amsterdam AFAS Live, Netherlands
- Nov 20: Cardiff Utilita Arena, UK
- Nov 21: Glasgow OVO Hydro, UK
- Nov 23: Birmingham BP Pulse LIVE, UK
- Nov 24: Manchester AO Arena, UK
- Nov 26: London O2 Arena UK
