In a monumental event, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath are coming together for a special fundraising concert in Birmingham on July 5th. The iconic heavy metal band will headline a star-studded one-day festival at Villa Park, alongside bands they influenced such as Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, Gojira, and Anthrax.
This historic concert will mark the first time in two decades that Black Sabbath’s original lineup – comprising Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – will perform together. Despite facing health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease and spinal injuries, Osbourne is determined to deliver a memorable solo set before joining his fellow bandmates on stage.
Sharon Osbourne shared with BBC News that her husband is thrilled about this reunion and is looking forward to reconnecting with fans and friends. However, she confirmed that this show will serve as the 76-year-old’s final performance, allowing him to bid a proper farewell to his supporters.
Dubbed as “Back To The Beginning,” the concert was announced by Sharon Osbourne and Tony Iommi at Villa Park, with Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine serving as the musical director. A diverse lineup of artists including Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Lamb Of God, and Mastodon will also grace the stage. Moreover, a special “supergroup” featuring Billy Corgan, Slash, Fred Durst, Wolfgang Van Halen, Tom Morello, and other music icons will perform a mix of Sabbath and Osbourne’s songs.
Black Sabbath, formed in 1968, celebrated their illustrious career with a farewell show in 2017, playing to a sold-out crowd at the NEC Arena. The band concluded their set with hits like “War Pigs”, “N.I.B”, “Black Sabbath”, and their iconic track “Paranoid”. Expressing gratitude towards their dedicated fan base, Osbourne acknowledged the unwavering support that has fueled their enduring legacy.
Despite facing health setbacks over the years, including a spinal injury and a Parkinson’s diagnosis, Osbourne remains determined to take the stage once again. With a career spanning several decades, he continues to captivate audiences with his music and unwavering passion for performing.
“I will never perform again,” the iconic rock star declared solemnly. “It feels like bidding adieu to the most cherished relationship of my life.”
The music legend continued, expressing his unwavering resolve: “I refuse to take the stage with a lackluster imitation of Ozzy, seeking pity from the audience. What good would that do? I won’t grace the spotlight confined to a wheelchair.”
In a candid and heartfelt statement, the artist conveyed the deep emotional impact of his decision. With a heavy heart, he acknowledged the finality of this pivotal moment in his storied career.
Reflecting on a journey marked by electrifying performances and devoted fans, the rock icon’s words resonated with a poignant sense of farewell. The raw honesty of his sentiments underscored the profound significance of this poignant chapter in his musical legacy.
As he closed this poignant chapter in his musical journey, the artist’s poignant words encapsulated the bittersweet essence of bidding farewell to the stage. With a mixture of nostalgia and acceptance, he embraced the gravity of this momentous decision.
