In brief
In an emotional return, Black Sabbath will take the stage for one last performance, uniting former band members and featuring a lineup of legendary acts to support critical causes.
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath have announced an epic farewell festival titled "Back To The Beginning," scheduled for 5 July at Villa Park in Birmingham. This monumental concert will feature an all-star lineup including Metallica, Slayer, and Alice In Chains, celebrating the legacy of heavy metal while raising funds for vital charities.After 20 years, the original members—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—will reunite for a short set. Sharon Osbourne expressed her husband's determination to make this a significant farewell, stating, "He hasn't had the chance to say goodbye properly."The concert comes amid Osbourne's ongoing health challenges, including Parkinson's disease and spinal injuries which have limited his touring capacity. Despite these difficulties, he expressed excitement at the prospect of performing alongside his bandmates and friends one last time.Music director Tom Morello emphasized the event's grandeur, claiming it will be "the greatest heavy metal show ever." Proceeds will benefit Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorn Children's Hospice, making this farewell not only a celebration of the band's legacy but a meaningful contribution to the community.The concert will also feature an array of special guests, including Billy Corgan and Slash, uniting iconic musicians to perform both Black Sabbath classics and Ozzy Osbourne hits. Sharon noted the wide array of talent scheduled to appear, highlighting that different legendary artists will form unique groups to honor the metal pioneers.Since their formation in 1968, Black Sabbath has been instrumental in defining the heavy metal genre. Their last performance as a band in 2017 concluded a monumental career filled with chart-topping hits and a dedicated fanbase. After recently expressing a desire to return to performing, Ozzy emphasized the importance of not performing unless he can deliver his best.As they gear up for their final performance, Black Sabbath remains a seminal force in music history, and their upcoming concert is poised to be a heartfelt goodbye for both the band and their loyal fans.
