After His Powerful Rendition of “Changes,” YUNGBLUD Vows To Honor Ozzy By Playing It At Every Show
Few performances in recent memory have sent such a jolt through the rock world as YUNGBLUD’s stunning rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” at Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert, “Back to the Beginning,” on July 5, 2025. For many fans, it wasn’t just a tribute—it felt like the passing of a torch from one generation of rock rebels to the next.
The event itself was heavy with emotion from the start. Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, took to the stage in his hometown of Birmingham for what would be his final performance, surrounded by his family, friends, and a crowd of devoted fans. The “Back to the Beginning” concert was more than a farewell; it was a celebration of Ozzy’s decades-long impact on music, and an acknowledgment of his journey from Black Sabbath’s early days to his singular, storied solo career.
When YUNGBLUD stepped onto the stage that night, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. Known for his wild energy and deeply personal performances, the young British artist was invited specifically because Ozzy saw in him the spirit of fearlessness and authenticity that defined Sabbath’s best years. YUNGBLUD chose “Changes,” a song about transformation, love, and letting go—a perfect fit for the moment.
As soon as he began singing, it was clear something extraordinary was happening. YUNGBLUD’s voice trembled with emotion, and the stadium fell into a hushed silence. Fans who came for the nostalgia found themselves mesmerized by a performance that felt entirely fresh, raw, and urgent. It was a rare moment where everyone, young and old, was connected by the simple power of a song.
Social media lit up instantly with clips from the performance, many calling it one of the night’s highlights. People shared how YUNGBLUD seemed to channel both the spirit of the original and his own struggles and triumphs, giving “Changes” new life. Even longtime Sabbath fans who tend to be skeptical about younger artists were united in praise.
What truly set this moment apart, however, was what happened after the show. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, YUNGBLUD announced that from that day forward, he would perform “Changes” at every live show for the rest of his career. He described Ozzy as a personal hero and said the experience had changed him forever. The vow was met with overwhelming support and gratitude from fans around the globe.
Ozzy’s passing, just a couple of weeks after “Back to the Beginning,” added even more weight to YUNGBLUD’s promise. Suddenly, “Changes” wasn’t just a cover—it became an anthem for everyone who had ever been moved by Ozzy’s music. Each time YUNGBLUD performs the song now, it’s a living tribute, not only to Ozzy’s legacy but to the power of music to connect generations.
YUNGBLUD himself has spoken openly about what the moment meant to him. In interviews, he’s described growing up listening to Black Sabbath with his father, and how the lyrics of “Changes” helped him through some of the hardest times in his own life. Performing it for Ozzy, on a night that marked the end of an era, was nothing short of surreal.
The audience’s reaction at Villa Park that night was unforgettable. People sang along, many in tears, realizing they were witnessing both a goodbye and a beginning. For many, the sight of Ozzy, visibly moved, listening to YUNGBLUD’s cover was one of the most emotional moments of the show.
“Changes” itself has always been a song about evolution, heartbreak, and hope for what comes next. Written originally by Black Sabbath in 1972 and reimagined many times over, it found new resonance in YUNGBLUD’s hands—especially on a night defined by endings and new beginnings.
Since then, every time YUNGBLUD takes the stage and launches into “Changes,” it feels like more than just a performance. Fans say there’s a different energy in the room—a kind of gratitude and longing that’s hard to put into words. It’s a chance to remember Ozzy, to celebrate the music that changed so many lives, and to dream about the future.
Music journalists have compared this ongoing tribute to the great rock rituals of the past—like when Queen would play “Love of My Life” in honor of Freddie Mercury, or when Bruce Springsteen turns the stage into a space for collective healing. YUNGBLUD’s promise ensures that Ozzy’s influence will continue to ripple out through live music, night after night.
For YUNGBLUD himself, the responsibility feels both heavy and inspiring. He has said that each performance of “Changes” is different, depending on the city, the crowd, and his own state of mind. But every time, he feels Ozzy’s presence—a reminder of the night when a legend handed the torch to a new generation.
Fans, too, have embraced the tradition. Many have started bringing signs to YUNGBLUD’s shows that reference “Changes” and Ozzy, turning each concert into a mini-memorial for the Prince of Darkness. For some, it’s the highlight of the night—a moment to sing together, to cry, and to remember that the power of music never truly fades.
YUNGBLUD’s vow to keep playing “Changes” at every show is a living tribute to one of rock’s greatest icons. It’s also a reminder that music’s true magic lies in its ability to bring people together across generations and time. As long as the song keeps playing, Ozzy’s spirit lives on.
And in the end, that’s what “Back to the Beginning” was all about—celebrating where it all started, honoring the journey, and making sure the music never stops. Through his promise, YUNGBLUD is helping to keep that legacy alive, night after night, for audiences old and new.
