Jake E. Lee Reflects on Epic Birmingham Performance at Back to the Beginning concert sharing stage with other best artists

When the legendary *Back to the Beginning* concert unfolded on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, one of the most anticipated moments came when Jake E. Lee joined forces with some of rock’s most electrifying figures as part of Supergroup A. The former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, speaking to fans and press afterward, gave a vivid recounting of what it meant to be part of that historic day.

Lee explained that the all-day festival kicked off at 1 p.m. with Mastodon delivering the opening set. From there, fans were treated to five more bands before the atmosphere hit fever pitch when Supergroup A took the stage. With the show framed as a farewell to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, anticipation was enormous, and every band delivered with an energy worthy of the moment.

Supergroup A itself was a powerhouse collective. Alongside Jake E. Lee on guitar, the lineup featured drummer Mike Bordin of Faith No More, bassist Dave Ellefson, keyboardist Adam Wakeman, and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. Vocals were shared between Lzzy Hale, who delivered a fierce performance of “The Ultimate Sin,” and

Disturbed frontman David Draiman, who stepped in for “Shot in the Dark.” Lee admitted that rehearsals had gone smoothly and that the band sounded excellent in practice, though he joked that he hoped he would “hold up his end” on stage.

The performances did not disappoint. Supergroup A ripped through their two Ozzy-era tracks with blistering precision, creating one of the standout highlights of the evening. Fans online and in attendance immediately singled out Lee’s guitar work, a reminder of his indelible mark on Ozzy’s solo career in the mid-1980s. The choice of songs was symbolic as well—both were staples from the *The Ultimate Sin* era, a period that showcased Lee’s signature style and cemented his reputation as one of rock’s most inventive guitarists.

For Lee, being included in the event was more than a trip down memory lane. His return to a Birmingham stage alongside peers and legends carried emotional weight. Guitar World reported that event director Tom Morello specifically pushed for Lee’s involvement, stating he could not envision a complete lineup without the guitarist who had helped shape Ozzy’s mid-80s sound. That validation, coupled with the crowd’s roaring response, made the performance deeply personal for Lee.

In reflecting on the night, Lee expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect not only with fans but also with his fellow musicians. Though decades had passed since his last major collaboration with Osbourne, the Birmingham performance reminded him and the audience alike that his guitar playing remains as sharp and soulful as ever. He described the show as both a celebration of heavy metal history and a reminder of the camaraderie that has always fueled the genre.

The Back to the Beginning concert will go down as one of the most significant events in rock history, uniting generations of musicians and fans under one banner. For Jake E. Lee, it was more than just a set—it was a reaffirmation of his place among the greats and a chance to honor the music that defined his career. As he reflected afterward, the night was not just about nostalgia but about legacy, community, and the enduring power of rock.