Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary British rockstar, has set the stage for an emotional and monumental event. At 76 years old, he recently revealed that the original members of Black Sabbath are coming together for one last time after two decades, marking his farewell show. The highly anticipated “Back to the Beginning” charity concert is scheduled to take place on July 5th at Villa Park in England, with tickets set to go on sale on February 14th through LiveNation.
The announcement, shared on Osbourne’s X account, promises a musical extravaganza that will pay tribute to the true creators of heavy metal. The event will feature a short set by Ozzy Osbourne himself before he joins forces with Black Sabbath for a final bow. In a poignant statement, Osbourne expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to the place of his birth, Birmingham, alongside the people he holds dear. He emphasized the significance of the city as the true home of metal, declaring, “Birmingham Forever.”
Joining the Black Sabbath members—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—the concert lineup includes other heavyweights of the genre such as Metallica, Slayer, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, and Anthrax. Tom Morello, the concert’s music director and former member of Rage Against the Machine, hailed the event as “the greatest heavy metal show ever.”
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife, shared with BBC News that her husband is determined to deliver one last awe-inspiring performance despite his ongoing health challenges. She expressed her excitement about the upcoming show, emphasizing Ozzy’s eagerness to reunite with his bandmates and friends. For Ozzy, this concert serves as a poignant farewell, allowing him to bid a proper goodbye to his fans and friends.
Black Sabbath, formed in 1968 in Birmingham by Ozzy Osbourne, has left an indelible mark on the music industry as one of the most successful metal bands of all time. The band’s last performance together took place at the 2005 Ozzfest Tour before Bill Ward departed from the group. Their final studio album was released in 2013, capping off a remarkable career spanning over four decades.
Ozzy Osbourne’s decision to retire from touring in early 2023 was driven by a series of health setbacks. His Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2003, coupled with multiple surgeries following a serious fall in 2019 and spinal surgery in September 2023, have taken a toll on his well-being. Despite these challenges, Osbourne remains resolute in his determination to deliver a memorable performance at the upcoming concert. In a candid revelation, he acknowledged that he may have limited time left, underscoring the urgency and significance of this final show.
As fans eagerly anticipate the “Back to the Beginning” concert, the music world is abuzz with excitement and nostalgia. This event promises to be a fitting tribute to the iconic legacy of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, celebrating their unparalleled contributions to the realm of heavy metal. Mark your calendars for July 5th, as Villa Park prepares to host a historic gathering of rock legends for a night that will be etched in the annals of music history.
