The upcoming “Back to the Beginning” concert on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England, is poised to be far more than just a show. Musical director Tom Morello boldly calls it potentially “the greatest day, the most important day in the history of heavy metal music.” This monumental event serves as a poignant farewell for legendary pioneers black sabbath and frontman Ozzy Osbourne in their hometown. Promising a star-studded lineup paying tribute to the genre’s architects, the concert encapsulates the immense legacy and enduring influence of a band that quite literally forged heavy metal. It’s a celebration, a thank you from Ozzy, and a definitive closing chapter for many involved.
The Grand Farewell in Birmingham
After a career spanning over five decades, the decision to stage “Back to the Beginning” comes with emotional weight and a sense of finality. While bassist Geezer Butler humorously admits he’s “given up trying to predict a ‘last ever’ performance” with this band, noting past farewells like “The End” tour, the consensus among organizers and participants is clear: this is it. Manager Sharon Osbourne is resolute, stating, “We’re done.” She explains the desire to step away from rigorous itineraries and live life on their own terms.
A primary driver for this specific event is Ozzy Osbourne’s health. Well-documented issues, including Parkinson’s disease and emphysema, forced the premature end of his planned “No More Tours 2” world tour in 2018. Sharon reveals that Ozzy deeply regretted not having a proper chance to thank his fans after that tour concluded abruptly. This concert, therefore, is conceived as his opportunity to express gratitude and celebrate his and Black Sabbath’s music alongside legions of admirers and fellow musicians. It’s described as a direct response to that regret.
Morello Curates a Historic Day
Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine, stepped into the role of musical director for “Back to the Beginning.” He’s been working behind the scenes for over a year to bring this ambitious vision to life. Morello, a self-professed superfan who credits heavy metal with making him love music, feels a deep debt to Black Sabbath. He views the band not only as inventors of the genre but as one of the most important musical artists of all time.
Morello’s mission is simple yet extraordinary: to make the event unparalleled in metal history. He anticipates a lengthy show, potentially around 10 hours, packed with performances. He has also teased that beyond the already massive list of announced artists, there will be “huge superstars who are gonna be surprises” on the day. His curation involves complex logistics, figuring out who plays what and when, but he notes the call to participate in “the last Black Sabbath show ever” generally gets musicians to pick up the phone.
An All-Star Gathering Pays Homage
The heart of “Back to the Beginning” lies in bringing together Black Sabbath’s original lineup – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – alongside a staggering collection of heavy metal and hard rock giants they influenced. The return of drummer Bill Ward is considered essential by both the band and organizers. Geezer Butler emphasized it “had to be the original four of us or nothing,” viewing Ward’s participation as critical for a true final bow from the foundational quartet. Morello hails Ward as one of the greatest drummers ever, whose playing is integral to the records that birthed the genre.
The list of bands and artists joining the bill reads like a metal hall of fame: Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons. Individual artists like Sammy Hagar, Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Jonathan Davis (Korn), Tobias Forge (Ghost), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), and former Ozzy guitarists Zakk Wylde and Jake E. Lee will also perform. Morello humorously refers to many of these acts as “12 of the greatest Black Sabbath cover bands in history.” Tool, despite initial hesitation, ultimately joined when members like Adam Jones, Danny Carey, and Maynard James Keenan separately agreed to participate, leading the band to commit as a whole.
Not every desired participant could make it. Wolfgang Van Halen had tour conflicts, and Judas Priest couldn’t attend due to a conflicting 60th-anniversary concert for Scorpions in Germany. Priest frontman Rob Halford expressed his support and regret at missing the event, promising to be there “in spirit” and via a tribute video. Sharon Osbourne also revealed that one band was removed from the lineup for prioritizing profit over the event’s charitable mission, promising to reveal their name later.
More Than Just Music
The event extends beyond the performances to support important causes and offer unique experiences. Actor Jason Momoa will serve as the master of ceremonies, adding star power from outside the music world. Proceeds from the concert, including revenue from a global livestream allowing fans worldwide to tune in, will benefit three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
In a unique offering, limited edition cans of Liquid Death Iced Tea containing Ozzy Osbourne’s DNA will be sold for $450 each, with proceeds also supporting charity. These elements underscore that while a musical spectacle, the event carries significant philanthropic and personal meaning.
A Symbolic Homecoming
The location of “Back to the Beginning” holds profound significance. Villa Park, the stadium hosting the event, is located a short distance from where members of the band grew up in Birmingham. Morello notes that in their youth, they could hear the cheers from the stadium without being able to afford tickets. Returning to this site as headliners of a global event symbolizes a full-circle journey, a literal “back to the beginning” for a band that emerged from this working-class city to change the world. The four original members were recently honored with Birmingham Freedom of the City scrolls and medals, further cementing their bond with their roots.
The Enduring Ripple Effect of Influence
Black Sabbath’s impact is immeasurable. Widely recognized as the progenitors of heavy metal, their unique sound born in Birmingham laid the groundwork for countless bands. Tom Morello goes further, arguing their “DNA is everywhere,” influencing music across genres, even appearing in modern pop performances. Every band from the 1990s era, from Rage Against the Machine to Tool, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, had members who grew up learning Sabbath songs, he contends.
Participating musicians shared heartfelt testimonials about the band’s influence. Billy Corgan calls Sabbath “probably my favorite band of all time,” recalling how liking them wasn’t always considered “cool” but their influence has proven “mind-boggling.” Maynard James Keenan remembers discovering Sabbath as a pivotal moment, shifting him away from more mainstream music. Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, the only woman on the bill, found the band through the Ronnie James Dio era before tracing back to Ozzy. She credits them with defining heavy music for her and notes her own name’s spelling is influenced by Ozzy’s. She feels honored to represent female fans raised on this music. Slayer’s Kerry King and Anthrax/Pantera drummer Charlie Benante also shared personal stories of discovery and influence, including Benante’s humorous tale of his mother making him return a Sabbath shirt with ‘666’ on it. Randall Blythe of Lamb of God passionately defends the show’s purpose, stating, “All of us have Black Sabbath’s DNA in our music. They are the tree from which we have fallen.”
The inclusion of former Ozzy guitarist Jake E. Lee also pays tribute to the band’s broader legacy and, importantly, honors the late Randy Rhoads, a key figure in Ozzy’s solo career and a major influence on subsequent guitarists like Morello.
Mixed Feelings on a Final Chapter
While the excitement for the event is palpable, there’s also an undercurrent of sadness for some participants as they help usher in what’s billed as the absolute end. Maynard James Keenan expressed “mixed feelings,” honored to be asked but sad that Ozzy is ending his career. Randall Blythe addressed potential skepticism about the show’s motives head-on, stating firmly that Ozzy wants to do this and deserves to be honored. He believes this event is truly the last one, unlike some bands’ perpetual farewell tours, and that all the participating bands are emotional about giving Sabbath and Ozzy the best possible send-off.
Ozzy himself has clarified that due to his health, he will be doing “little bits and pieces” with Black Sabbath, not performing a full set with them, but is actively involved and emotional about the event. His voice remains strong, though his mobility is affected. Sharon Osbourne has also confirmed that while the event is a massive celebration of their existing work, there are no plans for Black Sabbath to record any new music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Black Sabbath event called the ‘most important day’ in heavy metal history?
Tom Morello, the event’s musical director, has stated the goal is to make the “Back to the Beginning” concert the “greatest day” and “most important day” in heavy metal history. This stems from Black Sabbath’s foundational role in inventing the genre. The event brings together the original lineup and a vast collection of prominent bands they influenced to celebrate their unparalleled legacy and impact on music worldwide, making it a historically significant moment.
Who is performing at Black Sabbath’s ‘Back to the Beginning’ final show?
The event features the original Black Sabbath lineup (Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward). They are joined by a lengthy list of major metal and hard rock acts including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons. Various individual artists like Billy Corgan, Fred Durst, Jonathan Davis, and Zakk Wylde are also participating, with Jason Momoa serving as emcee and Tom Morello as musical director.
Is the ‘Back to the Beginning’ concert truly the final performance for Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne?
While bassist Geezer Butler expressed some long-standing amusement about the idea of a final show for Black Sabbath, manager Sharon Osbourne and participating musicians like Robert Trujillo have stated definitively that this event marks the end. The primary reason cited is Ozzy Osbourne’s ongoing health issues. Sharon Osbourne has confirmed they are “done” with touring life, and the concert serves as Ozzy’s desired final opportunity to thank his fans.
Celebrating a Legacy
As the date approaches, the “Back to the Beginning” concert stands as a massive tribute to Black Sabbath’s enduring power and influence. It’s a testament to how four working-class lads from Birmingham created a sound that resonated globally and inspired generations. From the return of Bill Ward to the outpouring of respect from contemporary bands, every element points to this being a fitting, albeit emotional, final chapter. For fans and musicians alike, July 5th promises to be a day honoring the past while celebrating the present vitality of the genre Black Sabbath brought to life.
