Legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath is preparing for a historic farewell concert titled “Back To The Beginning,” set to take place on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The event marks the first time in two decades that the original lineup — Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — will share the stage together in their hometown.
For fans, it’s more than just a concert. It’s the end of an era. And for Ozzy Osbourne, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease, this will be his final performance on stage.
The concert will also feature appearances from heavy metal powerhouses Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and others. All proceeds will be equally donated to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, making it a significant event both musically and charitably.
In an exclusive interview with Music Week, guitarist Tony Iommi opened up about the emotional weight and logistical challenges behind the show.
“This would be a big, monumental thing if it all comes good,” Iommi said. “The worrying thing for me is the unknown. We don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Unlike traditional tours, which allow time for rehearsals and preparation, this one-night-only event involves multiple bands and complex planning.
“Normally, when we’d tour, we’d rehearse and run through the thing for a while, and it’s just us,” Iommi explained. “But with this event there are so many other moving parts.”
Ozzy Osbourne’s health has also added a layer of uncertainty. The iconic frontman has openly discussed his physical limitations due to Parkinson’s.
“You’re used to Ozzy running around, but he certainly won’t be doing that for this show. I don’t know if he’s going to be standing or sitting on a throne or what,” Iommi admitted.
Despite the challenges, the legendary guitarist is still hopeful — albeit nervous.
“I’m approaching this show with excitement mixed with fear,” he revealed. “Once we start playing, then we’ll know we’re doing it. It’s always a worry, even when we did tours before, there’s always that build-up, and then it gets to the point that we do it and it’s okay.”
With high stakes, a global fanbase watching, and one of rock’s most influential bands saying goodbye, “Back To The Beginning” is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about concerts in music history.
