Anthrax Ignite Villa Park with a Standout Performance on Black Sabbath’s Farewell Day
Anthrax set the tone for the epic “Back to the Beginning” concert as they took the stage at Villa Park on July 5, 2025. As the first of the “Big Four” thrash metal bands to perform, their presence felt symbolic, marking both their legacy and their deep-rooted connection to the origins of heavy metal.
The band delivered a high-energy set, opening with their classic “Indians” and then paying direct tribute to Black Sabbath with a powerful cover of “Into the Void.” The crowd responded with an explosion of excitement, immediately swept up in the spirit of the day.
Scott Ian, Anthrax’s guitarist, used the moment to thank Black Sabbath for the inspiration they’ve provided since the band’s early days. He spoke passionately about how Sabbath’s sound shaped Anthrax’s own music and helped define the thrash genre.
Vocalist Joey Belladonna echoed this gratitude, saying it was a true honor to share the stage with the legends who paved the way for bands like theirs. He reminded the crowd that without Sabbath, none of the bands performing that day would exist in their current form.
Drummer Charlie Benante reflected on the personal impact Black Sabbath had on his life, reminiscing about listening to their albums as a teenager and feeling a sense of awe that has stayed with him throughout his career.
Anthrax’s connection to Sabbath goes back decades, including a memorable tour together in the mid-1980s. Their role as the first “Big Four” act on the bill felt like a full-circle moment, bringing together past and present in a celebration of heavy metal’s enduring spirit.
The band’s cover of “Into the Void” added a unique dimension to their set, blending Anthrax’s signature thrash energy with the heavy, ominous grooves of Sabbath’s original. It was a fitting tribute that bridged generations and honored the roots of the genre.
Fans in the stadium and online praised Anthrax for their energetic and respectful performance, calling it a highlight of the day’s festivities. Social media buzzed with clips and reactions, as metalheads everywhere celebrated the merging of two iconic bands’ histories.
Anthrax’s participation in the concert was more than just another performance—it was a sincere gesture of respect, gratitude, and musical kinship. Their energy set the stage for a day that would celebrate not just Black Sabbath’s legacy, but the unbreakable bonds within the metal community.
As the show continued and other legends took their turn, Anthrax’s salute to Sabbath lingered as a defining moment, both for the band and for everyone lucky enough to witness the start of this historic concert.
