Metal Royalty Gathers as Black Sabbath Returns Home One Last Time

Mia Reynolds, 2/18/2025Black Sabbath reunites in Birmingham for "Back to the Beginning," a star-studded farewell show featuring legends like Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and more. With proceeds going to charity, this historic event celebrates the band's legacy while Ozzy Osbourne navigates his health challenges.

The July 5th spectacular has evolved into something far beyond a simple farewell show. With Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello serving as musical director — who boldly declares it will be "the greatest heavy metal show ever" — the event has drawn an almost surreal collection of performers. Guns N' Roses, Tool, Metallica, and a host of metal's finest will converge to pay tribute to the godfathers of heavy metal. Even Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa, is joining the proceedings as host — a testament to Sabbath's influence reaching far beyond the musical realm.

The lineup reads like a dream festival poster, with each new announcement adding another layer of gravitas to the occasion. From Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith to Living Colour's Vernon Reid, from Metallica to Mastodon, the range of artists reflects Sabbath's far-reaching impact on multiple generations of musicians.

Yet amidst the excitement, there's a bittersweet undertone. Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself, has been candid about his limited role in the proceedings. "I'm not planning on doing a set with Black Sabbath but I am doing little bits and pieces with them," he recently shared on his SiriusXM show. "I am doing what I can, where I feel comfortable."

The 76-year-old icon's struggle with Parkinson's disease has kept him from performing full concerts since 2018. With characteristic resilience, Ozzy remains determined to participate — even if in a reduced capacity. "I am trying to get back on my feet," he explains. "When you get up in the morning, you just jump out of bed. I have to balance myself, but I'm not dead. I'm still actively doing things. For all of my complaining, I'm still alive."

This reality adds a profound layer of significance to the reunion of Sabbath's original lineup — Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Their last performance together was in 2005, making this gathering particularly meaningful for longtime fans.

The event transcends mere entertainment, with proceeds benefiting Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorn Children's Hospice — transforming this celebration of metal's past into an investment in the future. It's a fitting tribute to a band that has always been about more than just the music.

As Birmingham prepares to welcome home its prodigal sons one last time, "Back to the Beginning" stands as both a celebration and a testament — not just to Black Sabbath's legacy, but to the enduring power of heavy metal to unite, inspire, and transform. It's more than a concert; it's a moment in musical history where the past and present of heavy metal will converge in one unforgettable night.

In what's shaping up to be heavy metal's most poignant farewell, Black Sabbath's hometown of Birmingham is preparing to host what might be the most star-studded gathering of rock royalty ever assembled. The event, dubbed "Back to the Beginning," isn't just another concert — it's a historic culmination of five decades of metal mastery, marking the first time in nearly 20 years that Black Sabbath's original lineup will share the stage.The July 5th spectacular has evolved into something far beyond a simple farewell show. With Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello serving as musical director — who boldly declares it will be "the greatest heavy metal show ever" — the event has drawn an almost surreal collection of performers. Guns N' Roses, Tool, Metallica, and a host of metal's finest will converge to pay tribute to the godfathers of heavy metal. Even Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa, is joining the proceedings as host — a testament to Sabbath's influence reaching far beyond the musical realm.The lineup reads like a dream festival poster, with each new announcement adding another layer of gravitas to the occasion. From Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith to Living Colour's Vernon Reid, from Metallica to Mastodon, the range of artists reflects Sabbath's far-reaching impact on multiple generations of musicians.Yet amidst the excitement, there's a bittersweet undertone. Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself, has been candid about his limited role in the proceedings. "I'm not planning on doing a set with Black Sabbath but I am doing little bits and pieces with them," he recently shared on his SiriusXM show. "I am doing what I can, where I feel comfortable."The 76-year-old icon's struggle with Parkinson's disease has kept him from performing full concerts since 2018. With characteristic resilience, Ozzy remains determined to participate — even if in a reduced capacity. "I am trying to get back on my feet," he explains. "When you get up in the morning, you just jump out of bed. I have to balance myself, but I'm not dead. I'm still actively doing things. For all of my complaining, I'm still alive."This reality adds a profound layer of significance to the reunion of Sabbath's original lineup — Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Their last performance together was in 2005, making this gathering particularly meaningful for longtime fans.The event transcends mere entertainment, with proceeds benefiting Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorn Children's Hospice — transforming this celebration of metal's past into an investment in the future. It's a fitting tribute to a band that has always been about more than just the music.As Birmingham prepares to welcome home its prodigal sons one last time, "Back to the Beginning" stands as both a celebration and a testament — not just to Black Sabbath's legacy, but to the enduring power of heavy metal to unite, inspire, and transform. It's more than a concert; it's a moment in musical history where the past and present of heavy metal will converge in one unforgettable night.