Metallica Covers Black Sabbath Classic

In a spectacular nod to musical history and influence, Metallica paid a heartfelt tribute to Black Sabbath during the monumental “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert. The event, held on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England, marked the final live performances of Black Sabbath and their legendary frontman, Ozzy Osbourne. Metallica, along with several other notable acts, celebrated the immense legacy of Black Sabbath by echoing their sound and spirit, bringing both nostalgia and admiration to the fore.

Metallica’s setlist for the evening included two classic Black Sabbath covers, each meticulously chosen to honor the band’s rich history in heavy metal. The band opened with “Hole in the Sky,” a track from Sabbath’s 1975 album *Sabotage*. This was a song Metallica hadn’t played live in over 15 years, adding a layer of exclusivity to their tribute. Their performance captured the raw intensity that Black Sabbath has become famous for, resonating deeply with the audience. The second cover, “Johnny Blade” from Sabbath’s 1978 album *Never Say Die!*, was performed live by Metallica for the first time ever, offering a fresh experience both for them and their fans at Villa Park.

During the concert, Metallica also delivered some of their own hits, a combination that included “Creeping Death,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Battery,” and the iconic “Master of Puppets.” Each performance was a testament to how Black Sabbath’s groundbreaking sound has influenced Metallica’s own music throughout the years. James Hetfield, Metallica’s frontman, emphasized the personal and professional impact Black Sabbath has had on them, stating that without Black Sabbath, there would be no Metallica.

Beyond the covers and classic hits, Metallica’s presence at the event was also characterized by anecdotes of personal influence. Robert Trujillo, Metallica’s bassist who previously played for Ozzy Osbourne, expressed deep sentiments about how Black Sabbath molded his early musical experiences. He shared the surreal nature of playing with Osbourne, highlighting the momentous occasion of being part of the final show. Trujillo, along with other Metallica members, including Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett, all recognized Black Sabbath’s role in shaping their musical journeys, from their earliest memories of being ‘scared to death’ as kids, listening to Sabbath’s intense compositions.

The finality of the event was underscored by the unity and reverence shown by a lineup of noteworthy musicians and bands present to honor Black Sabbath. The lineup included Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, and Gojira, among others, each bringing their own flavor to the festivities. Metallica’s performance was preceded by an eclectic set of superjams, featuring members from Rage Against the Machine, Smashing Pumpkins, Ghost, and Aerosmith, adding layers of talent and homage to the historic event.

As the curtains drew on Black Sabbath’s career, their influence in the music world stood undiminished and was well-celebrated. The concert was a living testament to how they helped forge a genre that bands like Metallica have expanded and thrived within. It was a day of musical celebration, farewell, and a moment for reflection on the groundbreaking contributions of Black Sabbath to the music industry.

The “Back to the Beginning” concert was not just a final bow for Black Sabbath; it was a revelatory experience illustrating the enduring legacy of pioneers who continue to inspire new generations of musicians. For Metallica, this event represented a full-circle moment, acknowledging the foundation laid by Black Sabbath that allowed bands like theirs to flourish in the heavy metal terrain. In doing so, Metallica not only celebrated their own success but also the continued vibrancy and evolution of heavy metal music catalyzed by the godfathers of metal, Black Sabbath. With such performances, Metallica reaffirmed their respect and gratitude toward their influencers, while fans departed with a renewed appreciation for a genre that has defined multiple generations.