In a monumental announcement that has electrified the rock and metal community, the original lineup of Black Sabbath—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—is set to reunite for a final performance on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham. This historic event, aptly named “Back to the Beginning,” marks the first time in two decades that the founding members will share the stage, offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The concert boasts an extraordinary lineup of supporting acts, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and several other notable artists. The event is being directed by Tom Morello, adding a unique touch to this historic gathering.
Proceeds from the show will benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, reflecting the band’s commitment to giving back to their community.
Tickets for this landmark event will go on sale at 10 am on February 14, 2025. Given the significance of the occasion and the star-studded lineup, tickets are expected to sell out rapidly. Fans are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their place at what promises to be a historic concert.
This announcement comes after a series of health challenges faced by Ozzy Osbourne in recent years, including a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020 and extensive spinal surgery in 2022. Despite these setbacks, Osbourne has expressed a strong desire to bid a proper farewell to his fans. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, stated, “He feels like ‘I have never said goodbye to my fans and I want to say goodbye properly.'”
The “Back to the Beginning” concert not only serves as a farewell to Ozzy Osbourne but also as a celebration of Black Sabbath’s profound impact on the heavy metal genre. Formed in Birmingham in 1968, the band is widely credited with pioneering heavy metal music, influencing countless artists and shaping the genre’s evolution over the past five decades.
Fans attending the concert can anticipate a setlist that spans Black Sabbath’s illustrious career, featuring classics like “Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs.” The inclusion of renowned supporting acts further elevates the event, promising a comprehensive celebration of heavy metal music.
As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what is being hailed as a historic moment in music history. The “Back to the Beginning” concert is poised to be a fitting tribute to Black Sabbath’s legacy and a heartfelt farewell from Ozzy Osbourne to his dedicated fans.