Legendary heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath have officially announced their long-awaited reunion, set to take place on July 5th, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham. The historic event, aptly titled Back to the Beginning, will mark the first time in 20 years that the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—will share the stage together.
The announcement was made earlier today at the home of Aston Villa, with Sharon Osbourne and Tony Iommi confirming the highly anticipated return. In a heartfelt statement, Ozzy Osbourne reflected on the significance of the event:
“It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born. How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham Forever.”
Fans will be treated to a special solo set from Ozzy Osbourne, before he joins Black Sabbath on stage for a final performance. This show is set to be an unforgettable celebration of heavy metal’s founding fathers, as well as a fitting farewell for Osbourne.
A Historic Lineup of Heavy Metal Legends
In addition to Black Sabbath’s headlining performance, Back to the Beginning will boast a star-studded lineup of some of metal’s most iconic bands, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon. The festival promises an all-day spectacle featuring the heaviest hitters in rock and metal.
Adding even more excitement to the event, an all-star supergroup of musicians will perform, featuring members from some of rock’s biggest bands. Announced so far are:
- Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins)
- David Draiman (Disturbed)
- Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns N’ Roses)
- Frank Bello (Anthrax)
- Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit)
- Jake E. Lee
- Jonathan Davis (Korn)
- KK Downing (Judas Priest)
- Lzzy Hale (Halestorm)
- Mike Bordin (Faith No More)
- Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne)
- Sammy Hagar (Van Halen)
- Scott Ian (Anthrax)
- Sleep Token ii (Sleep Token)
- Papa V Perpetua (Ghost)
- Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave)
- Wolfgang Van Halen
- Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne)
More names are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
A Show for a Cause
Beyond its musical significance, Back to the Beginning is also a charitable event, with all proceeds going to three notable charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, which is supported by Aston Villa.
Tom Morello, serving as the event’s Music Director, promised an unforgettable night, stating:
“This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever.”
Ticket Information
Fans eager to witness this once-in-a-lifetime performance can purchase tickets starting at 10 AM GMT on Friday, February 14, 2025, via LiveNation.co.uk. Given the historic nature of the event, tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
This monumental reunion marks a return to where it all began for Black Sabbath, celebrating their legacy in the city that birthed heavy metal. With an all-star lineup, a powerful cause, and one final performance from one of rock’s most influential bands, Back to the Beginning is set to be one of the most significant events in metal history.
