Black Sabbath made one more trip around the globe in 2016 into early 2017 for their final tour dubbed The End Tour, which concluded on February 4, 2017, in Birmingham, UK. The live lineup consisted of original members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, along with session drummer Tommy Clufetos who filled in for Bill Ward. Fast forward to eight years later… Following Osbourne’s tour cancellations, such as the most recent Power Trip Festival, and his planned No More Tours trek, a show has finally been announced. Black Sabbath have surprised all with a massive sendoff to not only the band’s historic memory, but for Ozzy’s solo career as well.
The original lineup of Black Sabbath: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, will reunite for their official final concert on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK. The event, titled Back to the Beginning, will feature an all-star lineup, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Anthrax, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, Mastodon, and Lamb of God.
A special tribute set will also include major acts within metal and rock such as, Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Slash, Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Jonathan Davis (KoRn), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Wolfgang Van Halen, K.K. Downing (Judas Priest), and more, with Morello serving as the musical director.
Ozzy will perform a short solo set before joining Black Sabbath for their first full reunion in 20 years. All proceeds from the show will support Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. Tickets go on sale February 14 at 10 AM GMT.
Osbourne comments:
“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.”
Metallica added:
“We are beyond honored and humbled to be invited to perform at BLACK SABBATH’s final show, back where it all began in Birmingham, England. On July 5 at Villa Park — home of Aston Villa — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward will reunite to play their first show together in 20 years.”
Sharon Osbourne spoke to BBC News and Reuters about Black Sabbath’s upcoming final concert, confirming it will be Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance, marking his official goodbye to fans.
Sharon expressed:
“Ozzy didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to his friends, to his fans, and he feels there’s been no full stop,” Sharon explained. “This is his full stop.”
Sharon explained to BBC News on Ozzy’s health:
“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.”
On the supergroup lineup, Sharon expressed:
“It’s an endless amount of people. They’re going to be doing some SABBATH songs, some Ozzy songs, and they’ll all mix together. Different little groups will be coming on, but they’re all icons.”
Sharon told Reuters:
“For Ozzy right now, it’s definitely: ‘I love you and good night. It’s stimulated him. He’s very, very excited and very thankful that he can do it.”
As far as Ozzy’s health is concerned, Sharon told The Sun how Ozzy is struggling to walk following his battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Sharon stated that Ozzy is:
“Very happy to be coming back and very emotional about this. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease. It’s not something you can stabilize. It affects different parts of the body and it’s affected his legs. But his voice is as good as it’s ever been.”
In early 2024, Sharon revealed Ozzy had plans for two final performances in Birmingham, however, it appears this event will be the one and final show. However, there will be more from the Prince of Darkness, as last year the icon shared his plans to work on a new album.
