BLACK Sabbath fans were left stunned by sky-high prices at Villa Park – with a pint setting punters back up to £8 during the legendary band’s final hometown gig.
The Back to the Beginning supershow, held at Aston Villa’s stadium in Birmingham, marks Ozzy Osbourne’s last ever live performance – and the first time the full band have played together in two decades.
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But for many fans, the bar and food prices were almost as jaw-dropping as the music.
Inside the venue, a pint of Poretti lager was going for £8, with a half pint at £4.
A pint of Somersby cider wasn’t far behind at £7, or £3.50 for a half.
Cocktail fans after something stronger had to fork out £13 for a draught Rum Punch – while even a bottle of water cost £3.50.
In the Doug Ellis stand, the prices were just as steep – with a Carlsberg Pilsner priced at £6.50, a glass of wine for £7, and both a gin and tonic and a vodka lemonade costing £7.50 each.
And it wasn’t just the drinks that had fans digging deep.
Food options were limited and pricey too – with a sausage roll setting you back £5, a steaky pasty £6.50, and Yardbirds chicken and chips costing a whopping £15.
Even the basics weren’t cheap – a can of Coke was £3.50, a bar of chocolate £2.50, and a bag of Walkers crisps £2.20.
Fancy a hot drink? That’s £3.95 for a tea and £4.50 for an espresso.
Fans weren’t impressed.
Some took to social media to vent their frustration, saying the prices were “festival-level rip-offs” and that it “left a bad taste before the music even started”.
One gig-goer told us: “I knew it’d be expensive but £8 for a pint and £7 for chips? That’s taking the Mick.”
Another said: “You expect a bit of markup, but this is madness.
Ozzy’s not the only one going out with a bang – so is my bank account.”
The backlash over food and drink prices follows recent criticism surrounding the cost of VIP meet-and-greet packages with Ozzy Osbourne, set to take place during his upcoming appearance at Comic Con Midlands.
Fans are being charged £666 for the ‘Ultimate Sin’ VIP package – which includes a group photo with Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack. But only two people are allowed per photo (except under-5s).
Want an autograph? That’ll cost extra.
Ozzy will sign a book for £225, or a poster, album or toy for £375. And if you want him to sign your guitar or mic?
That’ll be £750 – bringing the total package cost to £1,416.
Fan backlash has been fierce. One wrote: “Laughable prices, genuinely laughable.”
Another joked: “Time to start selling me kidney.”
While fans might be fuming over costs, the buzz inside Villa Park is electric.
This is a historic night – the last time Birmingham’s own heavy metal gods will share the stage in their hometown.
Ozzy, who’s battled serious health issues in recent years, admitted he won’t be performing a full set.
He said: “We’re only playing a couple of songs each.
“I don’t want people thinking ‘we’re getting ripped off’, because it’s just going to be … what’s the word? … a sample.”
He added: “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.”
The Back to the Beginning festival line-up is packed with legends, including Metallica, Slayer and Pantera – all joining in to celebrate Black Sabbath’s final bow.
Fans from across the UK – and some flying in from overseas – have packed out the stadium to say one last goodbye to the band that helped invent heavy metal.
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