For the first time in 20 years, Black Sabbath’s original lineup, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, will reunite, marking a monumental moment for fans across the world.
The iconic band will perform in their hometown, Birmingham, on July 5. (Photo Credits: X)
In what will be an emotional and unforgettable chapter for heavy metal, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath are reuniting for one final, legendary performance. The iconic band will take the stage one last time in their hometown of Birmingham on July 5th, playing at Villa Park in a spectacular, one-day festival that promises to be a celebration like no other. This extraordinary concert will not only feature Black Sabbath in all their glory but also show a roster of bands they’ve influenced over the decades, including heavyweights like Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, Gojira and Anthrax. It will be a heavy metal lover’s dream come true, with classic tunes and thunderous riffs filling the air.
For the first time in 20 years, Black Sabbath’s original lineup, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, will reunite, marking a monumental moment for fans across the world, reports BBC.
Despite his ongoing health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease and spinal injuries, Ozzy is ready to give it his all for this final performance. He’ll reportedly perform a brief solo set before joining his legendary bandmates for their last hurrah together.
Sharon Osbourne, ever supportive, shared with BBC News her excitement for the event, explaining how much it means to Ozzy. “He’s doing great. He’s doing really great. He’s so excited about this, about being with the guys again and all his friends. It’s exciting for everyone,” she reassured fans.
According to the BBC, this isn’t just another farewell show. Sharon emphasised that this performance would truly mark the end of an era. “Ozzy didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to his friends, to his fans and he feels there’s been no full stop. This is his full stop,” she added.
The event, named Back To The Beginning, was officially announced at Villa Park by Sharon and Tony Iommi. Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, who’s acting as the event’s musical director, described it as “the greatest heavy metal show ever.”
The proceeds from this monumental event will support a trio of causes close to the Osbourne family’s heart: Cure Parkinson’s, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice. Also part of the lineup will be hard-hitting acts like Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Lamb Of God and Mastodon, ensuring the energy will stay high all day.
And it doesn’t stop there – fans can expect a supergroup to take the stage, featuring rock stars like Billy Corgan, Slash, Fred Durst, Wolfgang Van Halen and Tom Morello. Sharon revealed that these musical titans would come together for a special collaboration, blending their individual sounds into something truly epic. “It’s an endless amount of people. They’re going to be doing some Sabbath songs, Ozzy songs and they’ll all mix together. Different little groups will be coming on, but they’re all icons,” she said.
According to BBC, the roots of Black Sabbath stretch all the way back to 1968 when they first rehearsed in a community centre just a stone’s throw away from Villa Park. In 2017, they performed their farewell show in front of 16,000 fans at the NEC Arena in Birmingham. That final setlist was a trip down memory lane, with classics like War Pigs, N.I.B. and Black Sabbath, before closing with their signature track, Paranoid.
Looking back on their incredible journey, Ozzy addressed the crowd at that 2017 farewell show, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the fans. “I’ve got to tell you something, what a journey we’ve all had. We started this in 1968 and now it’s 2017—I don’t believe that, man. But you know what? We wouldn’t survive if it wasn’t for the fan base. So if you’re a veteran fan, great. If you’re new, welcome. But I can’t tell you enough how grateful we are for your support.”
Since then, Ozzy has released solo albums like Ordinary Man and Patient Number 9, but his health has presented significant challenges. A 2003 ATV crash and a subsequent fall in 2019 caused severe spinal injuries, leading to multiple surgeries. In 2020, Ozzy revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis, and he’s largely stepped away from touring, his last performance was during the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in 2022, reports BBC.
