Iconic Musicians Unite for Black Sabbath's Farewell Performance

In a historic culmination of heavy metal legacy, Black Sabbath is set to perform their final concert, titled "Back to the Beginning," on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in their hometown of Birmingham, England. This event marks the first time in two decades that the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—will share the stage. The concert promises a star-studded lineup, with notable collaborations that pay homage to the band's profound influence on the rock and metal genres.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening will be a unique performance featuring Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, and Danny Carey of Tool. This trio, each hailing from Chicago, will unite to deliver renditions of classic Black Sabbath tracks, as well as selections from their respective repertoires. The collaboration underscores the far-reaching impact of Black Sabbath's music and their role in shaping the soundscapes of successive generations.

Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife and manager, highlighted the significance of these collaborations, stating, "You're going to see one icon playing with another icon, doing a Sabbath song and one or two of their own songs, and people playing with each other that you never thought you'd see." She emphasized the unique nature of the event, bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the enduring legacy of Black Sabbath.

The concert will also feature performances by other prominent bands and musicians, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, and Mastodon. Additionally, artists such as Slash and Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses, David Draiman of Disturbed, and Jonathan Davis of Korn are slated to make appearances, further enriching the evening's lineup.

Tom Morello, who will serve as the show's musical director, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever." His involvement ensures a seamless integration of the various performances, honoring Black Sabbath's legacy while showcasing the talents of the participating musicians.

Tickets for "Back to the Beginning" are scheduled to go on sale on February 14 at 10 a.m. GMT. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to several charities, including Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorns Children's Hospice, reflecting the band's commitment to giving back to their community.

As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a monumental event in the annals of rock history. Fans from around the globe are expected to converge on Birmingham to witness this final bow from the pioneers of heavy metal, celebrating a legacy that has profoundly influenced the music world.