It’s happening. The original Black Sabbath lineup is reuniting one last time for what’s being called “the greatest heavy metal show ever.” Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward will take the stage together for the first time in 20 years, giving fans the ultimate farewell at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5th.
Photo by Ozzy Osbourne
Titled Back to the Beginning, this historic charity concert will see Ozzy closing out his legendary career in the city where it all started. Tickets go on sale February 14th at 10 AM, and if the lineup is anything to go by, they won’t last long.
The supporting acts read like a dream list for metalheads. Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera will be among the heavy hitters, along with Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon. And if that wasn’t enough, special appearances from Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), David Draiman (Disturbed), Duff McKagan and Slash (Guns N’ Roses), Scott Ian and Frank Bello (Anthrax), Jonathan Davis (Korn), and even Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst are all confirmed.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
No one expected the original Sabbath quartet to reunite again, not after decades of personal and professional tensions. Their last time playing together was in 2005 for Ozzfest. Since then, disputes—particularly with drummer Bill Ward—have kept them apart. Ward was originally set to return for their 2012 reunion and 13 album, but contract disagreements led to his departure.
Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images/File
Now, after years of speculation, it’s finally happening. For one night only, the classic lineup will deliver a proper send-off for Ozzy, who has battled health issues in recent years, including a Parkinson’s diagnosis and major spinal surgery.
“This is my time to go back to the beginning,” Ozzy said in a statement. “Birmingham is the true home of metal. How blessed am I to do it with the people I love?”
A Fitting End to a Legendary Career
Black Sabbath isn’t just a band; they’re the band that defined heavy metal. Since their self-titled debut in 1970, they’ve sold over 75 million albums and influenced every hard rock and metal act that followed. Their groundbreaking sound—crushing riffs, haunting melodies, and doomy atmospheres—was shaped by their working-class roots in Birmingham’s industrial landscape.
Though Ozzy left in 1979, his legacy with Sabbath was cemented in the first eight albums, including Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Even with legendary replacements like Ronnie James Dio and Ian Gillan, there was always something special about the original four together.
Their official farewell came in 2017 with The End tour, but with Ward absent and tensions still simmering, it wasn’t quite the full-circle moment fans wanted. This time, the original four will take the stage for one last ride, making history in the process.
Beyond the Music
More than just a concert, Back to the Beginning is also a charity event. Proceeds will be donated to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, causes close to Ozzy’s heart.
For a city that has long honored its heavy metal pioneers—including a 2023 ballet tribute by the Birmingham Royal Ballet—this event is the ultimate tribute. It’s also fitting that Ozzy, a lifelong Aston Villa fan, will play his last gig at the team’s stadium.
Get Ready for History
With an all-star lineup, legendary collaborations, and the long-awaited reunion of Black Sabbath’s original members, Back to the Beginning is poised to be the most unforgettable night in heavy metal history.
Mark your calendars: July 5th at Villa Park. This is more than just a concert—it’s the end of an era.
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