After a lengthy six-year hiatus from live performances, Ozzy Osbourne is set to take the stage for his memorable final concert at the highly anticipated Back to the Beginning event on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK. This event promises to be a spectacular celebration, marking not just Osbourne’s farewell but also the remarkable reunion of the original lineup of Black Sabbath, a band that has profoundly influenced the world of heavy metal music.

Joining Osbourne will be a powerhouse lineup that includes legendary bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon. This all-day festival will also feature an extraordinary supergroup of musicians, including Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins, David Draiman of Disturbed, and iconic members from bands like Guns N’ Roses and Korn. Music director Tom Morello promises that this will be “the greatest heavy metal show ever,” a statement that sets high expectations for fans.

Tickets for this unforgettable event will go on sale on Friday, February 14, through LiveNation’s UK website. Notably, all proceeds from the concert will be donated to valuable charities, including Cure Parkinson?s, Birmingham Children?s Hospital, and Acorn Children?s Hospice, which receives support from Aston Villa. This commitment to philanthropy adds a meaningful layer to what will certainly be a historic performance.

Despite experiencing numerous health challenges that led to the postponement and eventual cancellation of his No More Tours 2 farewell tour after a December 31, 2018 show in Los Angeles, Osbourne?s resolve to bid farewell to his fans remains steadfast. He is determined to make his exit from the stage on his own terms, embodying the spirit of resilience that has characterized his illustrious career.

The last performance by Black Sabbath was on February 4, 2017, but it did not include original drummer Bill Ward, who was absent due to contract disputes. This upcoming show marks a significant moment as it will be the first time Ward performs with the band since the conclusion of the Ozzfest tour on September 4, 2005. While he did join them briefly for a song at the UK Music Hall of Fame ceremony a month later, this performance is poised to be more substantial.

In recent discussions, all four original members of Black Sabbath have expressed a desire to reunite for this final performance. Bassist Geezer Butler shared in a December 2024 conversation that Ozzy had spoken to him about the possibility of performing together again during his farewell concert. He suggested that they could play three or four songs as a fitting send-off, adding an emotional touch to their storied legacy.

Despite any previous conflicts over his replacement during the farewell tour, Ward has publicly stated his eagerness to participate in a proper goodbye. He expressed enthusiasm for playing classic songs that fans love, indicating his willingness to celebrate their shared history. Two months prior, guitarist Tony Iommi voiced similar sentiments, affirming that their story isn?t finished and showing readiness to perform together once more.