A star-studded line-up including Metallica and Slayer to join Osbourne for “the greatest heavy metal show ever”.
Ozzy Osbourne is set to reunite with Black Sabbath for a spectacular performance in what will be his final show, aptly named “The Greatest Heavy Metal Show Ever.” The announcement was made by Osbourne’s wife, Sharon, alongside Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, at Villa Park in Birmingham, where the historic event will take place on 5 July.
This performance will mark the first time in 20 years that the original members—Osbourne, Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—have shared the stage. It is part of the “Back To The Beginning” show, which promises to be an unforgettable event, also featuring performances by Metallica, Slayer, Alice In Chains, and a supergroup of legendary musicians including Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), and Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine).
The 76-year-old Osbourne, who has faced health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease, in recent years, will perform a solo set before joining Black Sabbath for his final bow. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn’s Children’s Hospice.
“I’m going back to my roots, to give back to the place where I was born,” Osbourne said in a statement. “Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham forever.”
Osbourne had previously announced in 2023 that he was no longer “physically capable” of performing the shows he had planned in Europe and the UK, a decision influenced by a 2019 spinal surgery following an accident at home that aggravated injuries from a 2003 quad bike crash. Despite his ongoing health challenges, he has performed at a few notable events, including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 and at an NFL halftime show the same year.
Black Sabbath, formed in Birmingham in 1968, is regarded as one of the most influential metal bands in history, with over 75 million albums sold worldwide. Tom Morello, the music director for the reunion show, stated, “This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever.”
Additional acts, including Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon, are confirmed to join the event, with more names to be announced soon.
Tickets will be available for purchase starting at 10am on Friday, 14 February.
