Sammy Hagar Will Sing ‘Flying High Again’ At Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Show

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar expressed deep gratitude and excitement about his upcoming participation in Ozzy Osbourne‘s monumental farewell concert, billed as “Back To The Beginning.” The highly anticipated, sold-out event is scheduled for July 5th, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK, and holds particular significance as it’s set to feature the first performance by the original Black Sabbath lineup in 20 years.

Speaking with Loudwire Nights host Chuck Armstrong, Hagar revealed he was approached early on by the show’s musical director, Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine. Hagar‘s acceptance was instant and absolute. “Well, the fact that I got asked to do it almost the first day… Tom Morello calls me and says, ‘Hey, man, would you be interested?’ I went, ‘Yes.’ He didn’t even have to say what. ‘Would you be interested?’ ‘Yes, Tom. I’m in — all in,'” Hagar recounted (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).

“I was so flattered that I was one of the early guys on,” he continued. Hagar speculated that perhaps seeing his recent performance inducting Foreigner into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame – immediately preceding Ozzy‘s own induction ceremony – might have influenced the invitation. Acknowledging the stylistic differences between himself and Osbourne, Hagar emphasized his dedication to preparing for the tribute: “I don’t sing like Ozzy — I’m a different kind of singer. And so I’ve been studying… I’m listening to f**king Ozzy until the fifth [of July]. I gotta learn his phrasing. And his melodic structures are so unique; he’s such a unique singer.”

Hagar also shared the story behind his song selection for the event. “I’m so honored,” he reiterated, “And I chose to do ‘No More Tears‘. And Tom goes, ‘Oh, that would be great. Oh, that’d be great.'” However, plans shifted when Ozzy expressed interest in performing the song himself as part of a planned five-song set. Hagar readily adapted: “He comes back and says, ‘Guess what. Ozzy‘s gonna try and sing five songs, and he wants to sing ‘No More Tears‘. I said, ‘Okay. ‘Flying High Again‘.’ He goes, ‘You got it.’ So right now I’m singing ‘Flying High Again‘.” Hagar remains flexible, prepared to sing both tracks if needed, and even offered to perform a classic from his own history, suggesting Montrose‘s “Rock Candy” due to its shared era with early Black Sabbath.

The “Back To The Beginning” concert boasts an incredible lineup of rock and metal heavyweights joining Hagar to celebrate Ozzy‘s career, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon.

In related news, Hagar recently released a deeply personal new single, which is his tribute to Eddie Van Halen, “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight,” via Big Machine Rock. This melodic rock anthem, co-written with guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani and reportedly inspired by a dream, is available now on major streaming platforms, complete with an official lyric video on YouTube.