OZZY OSBOURNE TO REUNITE WITH ORIGINAL BLACK SABBATH FOR FINAL PERFORMANCE AT “BACK TO THE BEGINNING” MEGA-CONCERT….
In a historic milestone for heavy metal fans worldwide, Ozzy Osbourne is set to take his final bow alongside his legendary bandmates from Black Sabbath in a once-in-a-lifetime event titled “Back to the Beginning.” This monumental concert, scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at Birmingham’s Villa Park Stadium, will mark the first reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—in over two decades, promising an emotional and unforgettable night that celebrates the roots and legacy of heavy metal.
The event is more than just a farewell; it’s a tribute to the genre’s birthplace, Birmingham, often heralded as the true home of metal. Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness,” expressed his sentiment about returning to his origins, saying, “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.” His words underscore the significance of this reunion, not only as a personal milestone but also as a celebration of Birmingham’s pivotal role in shaping rock and metal music.
The concert will feature a solo set from Ozzy Osbourne, providing fans a rare opportunity to see the iconic frontman perform solo material and reflect on his legendary career. Following his solo performance, Ozzy will reunite with Black Sabbath for a final time, delivering an emotional closing act that fans and musicians alike are eagerly anticipating. This reunion will serve as a fitting farewell to the band that pioneered heavy metal, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of a generation.
Beyond the historic Sabbath reunion, the event boasts an extraordinary lineup of rock and metal giants. Fans can look forward to performances by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Tool, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons. The festival promises a day filled with electrifying performances, celebrating the diversity and power of heavy metal across decades.
Adding to the excitement is a rotating supergroup of special guests, featuring some of the biggest names in rock and metal. Performers such as Billy Corgan, Chad Smith, David Draiman, Duff McKagan, Slash, Lzzy Hale, Scott Ian, Jonathan Davis, KK Downing, Wolfgang Van Halen, and many others are slated to join the stage in various collaborations and jam sessions. Music director Tom Morello, renowned for his work with Rage Against the Machine, called the event “the greatest heavy metal show ever,” highlighting its significance as a landmark occasion in music history.
Profits from the event will be dedicated to charitable causes, reflecting Ozzy Osbourne’s commitment to giving back. The proceeds will be shared among Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice—organizations close to Ozzy’s heart. This philanthropic aspect underscores the event’s mission to honor Birmingham, support the local community, and leave a lasting positive impact.
The “Back to the Beginning” concert is expected to draw fans from across the globe, eager to witness what promises to be a historic convergence of music legends. It symbolizes more than just a farewell—it’s a celebration of a musical revolution that started in Birmingham and changed the course of rock history forever. With a lineup of legendary performers, heartfelt reunions, and a community-oriented mission, this event will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of music history as a defining moment for heavy metal and its fans worldwide.
