As the Prince of Darkness prepares for his final concert with Black Sabbath, admirers including Lars Ulrich, Lita Ford and Billy Corgan extol his virtues….

As the legendary “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne, prepares for what is being billed as his final concert with Black Sabbath, a chorus of admiration is swelling from across the music world. Fellow musicians, deeply influenced by his groundbreaking work, are stepping forward to extol his virtues and acknowledge his colossal impact on rock and metal. This momentous event, titled “Back To The Beginning,” is set to take place on **July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England**, the very birthplace of heavy metal.

Among those offering their praise is **Lars Ulrich**, the influential drummer of Metallica. While specific recent quotes about Ozzy’s final show aren’t widely publicized, Ulrich has consistently cited Black Sabbath and Ozzy’s early work as a fundamental influence on Metallica’s sound and the broader thrash metal movement. His respect for Ozzy’s unique vocal delivery and iconic stage presence is well-documented, recognizing him as the quintessential frontman of a genre they helped to define.

Joining the chorus of tributes is guitar icon **Lita Ford**. A trailblazer in her own right, Ford has often spoken about the inspiration she drew from Black Sabbath’s raw power and Ozzy’s captivating persona. Her career, forged in the heavy rock landscape, owes a debt to the path paved by Osbourne and his bandmates, who proved that heavy music could be both dark and immensely popular.

Even from a different corner of the rock spectrum, **Billy Corgan** of The Smashing Pumpkins has expressed admiration for Ozzy. While Corgan’s band explores alternative and grunge territories, the foundational influence of Black Sabbath’s heavy riffs and atmospheric darkness is undeniable. Corgan’s appreciation speaks to Ozzy’s pervasive reach across various rock subgenres, demonstrating that the “Prince of Darkness” transcended the confines of metal to leave a broader cultural imprint.

This outpouring of respect underscores Ozzy Osbourne’s singular status as an innovator, a showman, and a true icon whose legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians. The upcoming concert is not just a farewell but a celebration of a career that transformed the very sound and spirit of heavy music.