In a monumental announcement that has sent shockwaves through the metal community, Ozzy Osbourne has revealed that the original lineup of Black Sabbath will reunite for a single, historic concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, England on July 5, CNN reports.
This marks the first time in 20 years that Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward will share the stage together.
The concert, dubbed “Back to the Beginning,” will be a multi-artist event featuring a star-studded lineup including Metallica, Slayer, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, and Anthrax. Osbourne will perform his own short set before joining his Black Sabbath bandmates for what he calls his “final bow.”
Formed in Birmingham in 1968, Black Sabbath cemented their legacy as one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time, selling over 75 million albums worldwide.
While Osbourne surprised fans with a mini-reunion with Iommi at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, this full reunion is a long-awaited moment.
Osbourne had previously announced a farewell tour scheduled for 2023, but was forced to cancel due to ongoing health issues.
The 76-year-old Osbourne later expressed his desire to perform one last show to show gratitude to his fans.
His wife, Sharon Osbourne, hinted at the upcoming concert last year, indicating that Osbourne was preparing to give his fans a proper sendoff in his hometown.
Tickets for “Back to the Beginning” go on sale February 14, with proceeds benefiting various charities.
