Halestorm Stun Villa Park with a Show-Stopping Cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Perry Mason” on Black Sabbath’s Farewell Night
Halestorm brought a jolt of energy to Villa Park at the “Back to the Beginning” concert in Birmingham on July 5, 2025, as they delivered a dynamic cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Perry Mason.” Taking the stage during a festival packed with legends, Halestorm instantly grabbed the audience’s attention—not just with their own hits, but with a bold tribute to the Prince of Darkness himself on his farewell night.
The decision to cover “Perry Mason,” a deep cut from Ozzy’s 1995 album Ozzmosis, set Halestorm apart from other acts that night. Lzzy Hale’s commanding stage presence and soaring vocals brought new life to the song, while the band’s tight musicianship gave it a modern edge without losing the dramatic, almost cinematic quality of the original.
Fans erupted as soon as the opening riff echoed through the stadium. Many in the crowd, longtime Ozzy fans, recognized the signature melody and were thrilled to hear it interpreted through Halestorm’s hard-hitting style. The connection between band and audience was immediate, and the performance became an early highlight of the festival.
Guitarist Joe Hottinger delivered a blistering solo, channeling the intensity of Zakk Wylde’s original work while infusing his own personality into every note. The rhythm section, with Josh Smith on bass and Arejay Hale on drums, kept the momentum pounding, ensuring that the song’s pulse never let up.
Lzzy Hale’s vocals truly stole the spotlight. Her ability to switch from gritty, bluesy power to pure melodic force added layers of drama to the performance, echoing Ozzy’s emotional storytelling but with her own distinctive flair. As she belted out the chorus, the entire stadium seemed to sing along, honoring both the song’s legacy and Halestorm’s fearless approach.
The production value of the show matched the intensity of the music. Pyrotechnics and dramatic lighting underscored key moments of the song, while cameras panned the crowd to capture the excitement. Halestorm’s energy on stage was mirrored by fans waving, jumping, and throwing up rock horns in tribute.
Halestorm’s connection to Ozzy runs deep—they’ve cited him as a major influence on their music, and Lzzy Hale has often spoken about how Ozzy’s career inspired her own journey as a frontwoman in rock. This cover felt like a full-circle moment, allowing Halestorm to pay direct homage to a personal hero in front of thousands.
The band’s respect for Ozzy’s legacy was clear in their faithful yet inventive arrangement. Instead of a straightforward copy, Halestorm added their signature punch, making “Perry Mason” feel both nostalgic and refreshingly new. For many in attendance, this was the perfect way to honor Ozzy’s lasting influence.
Social media buzzed with excitement during and after the performance. Clips of Halestorm’s cover quickly circulated online, with fans and critics alike praising the band’s courage and execution. Many called it one of the best Ozzy covers they had ever heard, and some even suggested it was a highlight of the entire night.
Backstage, Halestorm members expressed gratitude for the chance to be part of such a historic event. They acknowledged the significance of playing on the same night as Black Sabbath’s final reunion, and for Ozzy himself. The sense of community among the artists was palpable throughout the festival.
The performance of “Perry Mason” also introduced the song to younger fans who may not have known it before. Halestorm’s interpretation sparked a surge of new streams and downloads of the original track, demonstrating the power of live music to bridge generations and keep classic songs alive.
As Halestorm wrapped up their set, the applause was deafening. The band’s fearless energy and heartfelt tribute left a lasting impression, raising the bar for the acts that followed. Fans were still talking about the performance long after the night ended.
In a festival packed with legendary artists and career-defining moments, Halestorm’s “Perry Mason” cover stood out as a bold, passionate salute to Ozzy Osbourne. The performance captured everything the night was about—celebrating the past, embracing the future, and coming together in the spirit of rock and roll.
For Halestorm, July 5, 2025, at Villa Park will be remembered as a career milestone. For the fans, it was a thrilling reminder that great music never fades—and that every generation can leave its own mark on the legends that came before.
