BIRMINGHAM, England — Legendary rock band Black Sabbath is set to make a monumental return to the stage this summer, reuniting its original lineup for the highly anticipated “Back to the Beginning” concert on July 5. This performance, scheduled to take place at Villa Park, marks the first time in two decades that founding members Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward will share the stage together.
This significant event not only celebrates the band’s storied history but also serves as a farewell for Osbourne, who is battling Parkinson’s disease. The singer’s health challenges have raised concerns about his ability to perform extensively, but Iommi remains hopeful. “He might not be able to do the whole show, but he’s gonna do four songs,” Iommi stated, emphasizing the collective excitement tinged with anxiety surrounding the concert. “It’s just a shame to see the way it is. But that’s life.”
With over 40,000 fans expected to attend, the event will feature performances from a lineup of heavyweights, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb of God, and Anthrax. Tickets for the concert sold out in just 16 minutes, prompting organizers to announce a global livestream of the event. Fans will be able to access the live broadcast at 3:00 p.m. on July 5 and will have the chance to rewatch the concert for 48 hours afterward.
The concert will be produced by Mercury Studios, known for innovative music storytelling in various formats, in collaboration with Kiswe, the tech partner that facilitated a record-breaking concert livestream for BTS. The show will be hosted by actor Jason Momoa, promising a captivating experience for fans.
Reflecting on the challenges of staging such a pivotal event, Iommi conveyed a mix of excitement and apprehension. “We normally rehearse and run things through, but there are so many moving parts for this show,” he said. While expressing concern for Osbourne’s performance, Iommi acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion.
Black Sabbath, which last performed together in its original lineup in 2005, is viewed with reverence in the rock community. The reunion comes as the band wishes to leave a lasting impression, and members have openly discussed their nerves leading up to the show. Butler admitted to experiencing anxiety about the performance, illustrating the emotional significance this concert holds for all involved.
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife, described the concert as a necessary closure for her husband, who has struggled with his health for years. “Ozzy didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to his friends, to his fans, and he feels there’s no full stop. This is his full stop,” she explained. Despite his struggles, she noted that Ozzy’s vocal abilities remain intact, offering a glimmer of hope for fans.
The concert will also feature a supergroup of musicians, including icons like Duff McKagan, Slash, Billy Corgan, Fred Durst, K.K. Downing, and Tom Morello, performing a mix of Sabbath classics and Ozzy’s solo hits.
As the countdown to “Back to the Beginning” continues, the anticipation builds among fans and band members alike. Iommi summed up the feelings surrounding this historic gig, remarking, “Once we start playing, then we’ll know we’re doing it. It’s always a worry, but on the night, it has to be great.”