Black Sabbath announce huge final show in hometown of Birmingham with Metallica, Slayer and more
Famed English rock band Black Sabbath have announced their last-ever live performance, scheduled for July 5 at Villa Park in their hometown of Birmingham.
The event will feature the band's most iconic lineup – frontman Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward – performing live together for the first time in more than 20 years.
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The final live show, titled "Back To The Beginning", was announced at the home of Aston Villa by Iommi and Sharon Osbourne, who is the wife and manager of the legendary frontman.
Ozzy issued a statement saying: "It's my time to return to my roots... time for me to give back to the place where I was born. How fortunate I am to have the opportunity to do it with the help of the people I cherish. Birmingham is the authentic hometown of heavy metal music. Birmingham will forever hold a special place in my heart."
Osbourne, 76, has dealt with various health issues including Parkinson's disease recently. He had largely withdrawn from touring after performing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.
Regarding his desire to return to the stage:
I'm approaching this one day at a time, and if I can perform again, I will. Yet, it feels rather like bidding an eternal farewell to the most cherished relationship of my life.
Tickets for the 'Back To The Beginning' event will go on sale this coming Friday, February 14. The organizers have announced that proceeds from the event will be divided and donated to the Cure Parkinson's organization, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorns Children's Hospice.