BIRMINGHAM, England — Black Sabbath is set to commemorate their iconic legacy with a farewell performance that promises to be monumental. The legendary original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—will reunite for the first time since 2005, marking a significant moment in metal history as they take the stage tomorrow, July 5, at Villa Park.
In a celebratory photo shared by the band, a star-studded cast of musicians has been revealed, showcasing those who will pay tribute to Black Sabbath’s contributions to music. The lineup includes members from Metallica and Pantera, along with artists like Sammy Hagar, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins, and David Draiman of Disturbed. Other notable appearances will feature Ghost’s Tobias Forge and Alice In Chains’ Mike Inez, who previously performed alongside Osbourne.
Reflecting on this farewell event, Osbourne expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share the stage with so many remarkable friends and artists. “I am very blessed to say my goodbyes with the help of so many amazing musicians and friends,” he stated in a recent interview.
The forthcoming concert will not only serve as a culmination of Black Sabbath’s storied career but also feature Ozzy Osbourne’s final solo performance. His last full-length concert occurred in September 2005 during the Ozzfest tour in West Palm Beach, Florida, making this event particularly poignant for long-time fans.
In addition to the original members, the show will host performances by various renowned bands, including Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Tool. An extraordinary “supergroup” will also take part, featuring notable artists such as Tom Morello, David Ellefson, and Fred Durst. Morello, known for his work with Rage Against the Machine, will act as the musical director for the event.
Setting ambitious goals for the event, Morello stated, “We have a very, very simple goal: to make this the greatest day in the history of heavy metal.” He hinted at some surprise guests who would also take the stage, further adding to the event’s excitement.
Fans will have the opportunity to experience this historic concert through a global live stream, starting at 3 PM UK time. The event will be available for rewatching for 48 hours after the initial broadcast. Tickets are priced at £24.99, with an exclusive package including a T-shirt available for £54.99, enticing fans to commemorate this unique farewell.
As anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of heavy metal, Black Sabbath’s Back To The Beginning event not only marks the end of an era but also honors the indelible mark the band has left on music history.