In a deeply personal interview with BBC Midlands Today, Tony Iommi opened up about what’s being called the most emotional concert in Black Sabbath’s history—“Back To The Beginning,” the band’s final live performance, scheduled for July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK.
The show will mark the first full reunion of the original Sabbath lineup—Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—in two decades, and will also serve as Ozzy’s final on-stage performance, as the singer continues to battle Parkinson’s disease.
Over 40,000 fans are expected to attend the homecoming gig, which will also feature powerhouse performances by Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb of God, and Anthrax.
“We Haven’t Played Together for 20 Years”
Reflecting on the weight of the event, Iommi said:
“This is totally different from anything else we’ve done. You know, we’ve played to 300,000 people, but this is nerve-racking. We’re playing in our hometown, we’ve got all these bands on with us, and we haven’t played together for 20 years.”
The lineup’s return to Birmingham is more than just symbolic—it’s where the band formed and helped give birth to heavy metal itself. The show is expected to be a once-in-a-lifetime farewell for fans and the musicians alike.
Ozzy’s Final Bow
Commenting on Ozzy Osbourne’s health, Iommi explained that while the frontman won’t be on stage for a full set, he’ll still take the mic for four songs:
“He might not be able to do the whole show, but he’s gonna do four songs. He’s singing fine. It’s just a shame to see the way it is. But that’s life, I suppose. You’ve just gotta get on with it.”
“But we’re all looking forward to it, and all nervous as well, which is very unusual.”
Metal and Charity United
Proceeds from the “Back To The Beginning” concert will be split evenly between three charities close to the band’s heart:
- Cure Parkinson’s
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital
- Acorn Children’s Hospice
It’s a farewell rooted in legacy, brotherhood, and giving back to the city that started it all.
