In brief
Black Sabbath, the pioneers of heavy metal, are set to reunite for a monumental farewell concert at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5. Titled "Back To The Beginning," the festival will not only feature the original line-up of Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward performing together for the first time in two decades, but it will also showcase a plethora of bands they've inspired, including Metallica, Pantera, and Slayer.
Ozzy Osbourne, 76, has been largely sidelined from touring due to health issues, but his wife Sharon shared his eagerness to perform this final show: "He’s doing really great and is excited about being with the guys again and all his friends." This concert is intended as a definitive goodbye as Osbourne felt he never had a proper opportunity to bid farewell to fans.The event promises to be an unforgettable experience with Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello as musical director, and proceeds will benefit numerous charities, including Cure Parkinson's and the Birmingham Children's Hospital. Alongside an array of heavy metal favorites, a "supergroup" featuring artists like Billy Corgan and Slash will perform renditions of Black Sabbath and Ozzy's solo work.Black Sabbath, formed in 1968, has had a profound influence on the music world and last played together in 2017 during their farewell show. While Osbourne has faced several health setbacks, he expressed a strong desire to return to the stage, emphasizing the significant relationship he has had with his fans and music.As the countdown begins to this anticipated concert, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of Black Sabbath in the heavy metal genre.
