As Black Sabbath gears up for their momentous return to the concert scene with a highly anticipated final show, legendary guitarist Tony Iommi has expressed his thoughts on this significant event scheduled for this summer. This announcement has created a buzz among fans and music enthusiasts alike, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic bands in heavy metal history.

While fellow band members Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward have primarily shared the news through a press release, Iommi, the only member who has consistently been part of all the band’s phases, took to social media to convey a heartfelt message about the reunion.

Tony Iommi Shares His Emotional Reflections on Black Sabbath’s Reunion

“It?s been an incredible journey, but it?s only fitting that it ends here, where it all began in Aston,” Iommi shared on his X social media account. This heartfelt statement resonates with fans as it encapsulates the essence of their musical legacy.

“It?s a privilege to be recognized by fellow musicians while also contributing to important charitable causes. This entire journey would not have been possible without Ozzy, Geezer, and Bill. What we created together transcended individual contributions, and I will always cherish that,” he concluded, reflecting on the camaraderie that defined their work together.

Iommi also highlighted the promotional announcement, stating, “The original Black Sabbath ? Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward ? will perform together for the first time in two decades. They will headline the event titled ‘BACK TO THE BEGINNING’ on July 5th at Villa Park. Music Director Tom Morello commented, ‘This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever.’ The festival will include performances from renowned bands like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon. The all-day event will also showcase a supergroup of musicians, with artists such as Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), David M Draiman (Disturbed), Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns ?n Roses), and many more. Additional names will be announced soon. Tickets will be available starting at 10 am GMT on Friday, February 14, 2025, through LiveNation. All proceeds will support charities like Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, a dedicated children’s hospice backed by Aston Villa.”

The Legacy of Tony Iommi and Black Sabbath

Tony Iommi holds the distinction of being the sole member of Black Sabbath to feature in all 19 studio albums the band has released. Notably, the 1986 album Seventh Star was initially conceived as a solo project for Iommi, but last-minute pressures from the record label prompted its release under the Black Sabbath name.

READ MORE: Tony Iommi Discusses His Decision to Keep the Black Sabbath Name

Health challenges also played a significant role in shaping Black Sabbath’s reunion during the 2010s. In 2012, Iommi was diagnosed with early-stage lymphoma, which influenced the scheduling of the group?s 2013 tour around his treatment regimen.

Eventually, the band announced their plans for a farewell tour that concluded in 2017. Fortunately, Iommi revealed that as of August 2016, his cancer is in remission, allowing him to focus on music once again.

Since their last performance, Iommi had the chance to reunite with Ozzy Osbourne on stage during the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, a full-scale Black Sabbath reunion had yet to materialize until the upcoming ‘Back to the Beginning’ concert event on July 5 in Aston Villa.