Black Sabbath, the legendary heavy metal band, has officially declared their reunion concert, titled 'Back to the Beginning,' set to take place on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. This monumental event will bring together the original lineup of the band—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—for their first performance together in two decades.
The announcement, made by Iommi and Sharon Osbourne at Villa Park, was filled with anticipation and emotion. Ozzy Osbourne expressed, "It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born. How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham forever." This sentiment of gratitude to his hometown resonates strongly, especially considering the band's roots trace back to Birmingham where they were formed.
Ozzy, aged 76, has faced significant health challenges, including his battle with Parkinson's disease, which have curtailed his touring schedule. Despite this, he is determined to perform at this farewell gig, which he refers to as his "final bow." The concert is underscored by the emotional urge to reconnect with fans and express his thanks, as Sharon disclosed about her husband’s reflections, noting, "There’s one regret for everything that's happened to him in the last six years… he said he never got a chance to say thank you to his fans, and here we are, he's going to say thank you."
The 'Back to the Beginning' concert is not simply about nostalgia; it also aims to raise funds for charities. Profits from ticket sales will benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. These organizations are close to the hearts of the Osbournes and have been highlighted as deserving beneficiaries.
Music director Tom Morello, renowned for his work with Rage Against The Machine, heralded the concert as "the greatest heavy metal show ever." The performance will showcase more than just Black Sabbath; it will feature numerous other iconic acts including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, and Anthrax, among many others, creating what promises to be a legendary all-day festival.
Further excitement surrounds the guest appearances from famed musicians such as Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, David Draiman from Disturbed, Duff McKagan and Slash of Guns N’ Roses, and Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit, among others. Each artist will contribute to making this farewell show not only diverse but also deeply influential.
Since their last performance as the original lineup back in 2005, Black Sabbath has become synonymous with the molding of heavy metal music, having influenced countless artists and bands over the decades. They have sold over 75 million albums globally, and this concert aims to celebrate their significant legacy.
Adding to the sense of historic importance, this will be the first time since 2005 they’ve shared the stage together, marking the end of not just their musical careers but paving the way for future acts to continue the genre they helped birth.
Tickets for the concert are set to go on sale starting February 14. Fans are urged to grab their chance to witness this historic moment before it sells out. With the heavy metal genre’s pioneers reuniting for one last spectacular performance and supporting important charitable causes, this concert is poised to be memorable.
For many, this farewell concert will be not just another gig but a chance to pay tribute to the music and legacy of Black Sabbath. It signifies closure, not only for the band but for fans who have supported them throughout their groundbreaking, four-decade-long career. This will undoubtedly be a performance to cherish, leaving indelible marks on the hearts of many as they gather to celebrate Birmingham's own metal legends.