Gojira, the French progressive metal band, delivered a memorable performance at the “Back To The Beginning” charity event on July 6, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The event celebrated the legacy of Black Sabbath and featured a diverse lineup of rock and metal acts. During their set, Gojira performed a distinctive rendition of “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça Ira!),” a version of the French Revolution-era standard “Ah! Ça Ira!” The band was joined on stage by opera singer Marina Viotti for this unique collaboration.
The nine-hour event, hosted by actor Jason Momoa and curated by Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello, was organized as a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease. The concert marked the first time in 20 years that the original Black Sabbath members, including guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward, performed together. Over 40,000 fans attended the event, which featured performances from Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band, Guns N’ Roses, Lamb of God, and other notable acts.
Memorable charity event highlights
The stellar lineup provided a memorable mix of rock and metal, honoring the legendary singer. Proceeds from the concert were designated to be shared equally among Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
An online auction was also held, offering items such as signed guitars, a Guns N’ Roses pinball machine, and gold record displays from various artists. The event concluded with a heartfelt message from Ozzy Osbourne, who performed from a black-winged throne. He expressed his gratitude to the fans, saying, “Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” The night ended with a spectacular fireworks display and a message on the screen reading, “Thank you for everything, you guys are amazing.
Birmingham Forever.”
Fans who could not attend in person had the opportunity to watch the event via livestream, which was made available for an additional 48 hours after the concert. More information about the event and its beneficiaries can be found on the official “Back To The Beginning” website.
