In brief
The iconic band will perform a fundraising concert in Birmingham, marking their ultimate farewell after decades of influence.
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath are set to reunite for one final concert on July 5, 2024, at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK. This one-day festival, aptly named "Back To The Beginning," will not only highlight Black Sabbath's tremendous legacy but also feature numerous influential bands inspired by them, including Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera. This event marks the first time the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—will share the stage in over two decades. Despite struggles with Parkinson's disease and previous spinal injuries that have curtailed his touring, Osbourne is determined to deliver a short solo performance before joining his bandmates for a full set. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, affirmed his excitement, emphasizing the significance of this show as a proper farewell to fans and friends alike. “This is his full stop,” she noted, confirming that this concert would be Osbourne's definitive final performance.The concert will also benefit various charities, including Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorn Children's Hospice, supported by Aston Villa. Noteworthy collaborations are anticipated, with a "supergroup" of stars like Billy Corgan and Slash joining the festivities to perform both Black Sabbath classics and Ozzy Osbourne hits. Reflecting on their storied career, which began in 1968, Osbourne previously expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from their fans during a farewell show in 2017, where they played to a packed audience at the NEC Arena. After that tour, Osbourne faced significant health challenges, including a spinal injury in 2003 and his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2020. However, his determination to return is unwavering. “I’m taking it one day at a time, and if I can perform again, I will,” he stated. This highly anticipated concert signifies not only the end of an era for heavy metal legends but also stands as a celebration of their journey and accomplishments.
