In brief
In an emotional reunion, Ozzy Osbourne and the original line-up of Black Sabbath will take the stage for their final concert in Birmingham on July 5, 2023.
The iconic heavy metal band will headline a unique fundraising festival at Villa Park, featuring influential acts like Metallica, Slayer, and Gojira. This concert, named "Back To The Beginning," marks the first performance of Black Sabbath's original members—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—together in 20 years, promising a memorable event for fans.Despite health challenges due to Parkinson's disease and spinal injuries, Osbourne is set to perform a brief solo set before reuniting with his bandmates. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, expressed their enthusiasm for this landmark event, asserting that it would serve as Ozzy's definitive farewell to fans. The concert, announced jointly by Sharon and Tony Iommi, aims to raise funds for Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorn Children's Hospice. Notable names like Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine will oversee the musical direction, declaring it "the greatest heavy metal show ever."Additional performers at the festival include Alice In Chains, Mastodon, and a supergroup featuring legends like Billy Corgan and Slash, all slated to perform a mix of Black Sabbath and Ozzy's classic tracks. Black Sabbath, originally formed in 1968, has left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre, previously bidding farewell to fans in 2017 with a sold-out show at Birmingham's NEC Arena. After a decade filled with health challenges for Osbourne, the July concert serves as a poignant closure for the band's storied legacy, emphasizing gratitude for their dedicated fanbase over the years. With the surge of excitement surrounding this final performance, fans are eagerly anticipating a night filled with electrifying music and heartfelt farewells.
