Black Sabbath's legendary lineup will reunite for a memorable farewell performance in Birmingham, complete with Ozzy Osbourne taking center stage from a dynamic 'throne.'
On July 5, 2025, the iconic heavy metal band, Black Sabbath, will reassemble for their last concert in two decades, featuring Osbourne in a specially designed throne due to his Parkinson's, People reported.
Confirmed by Zakk Wylde on Riff X's Metal XS, the farewell concert will intricately reflect Osbourne's current physical condition, integrating it into the spectacle. Diagnosed in 2003 with Parkinson's disease, Osbourne has faced significant mobility challenges, impacting his ability to perform traditional live shows.
However, the commitment to a final group performance with his fellow original band members—Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—pushed the concept of a modified stage presence. To accommodate his needs, a unique throne is being developed which will allow Osbourne to interact with the stadium audience while seated.
Adding further anticipation to the event, the design of Osbourne’s throne includes features for enhanced audience interaction. Wylde elaborated on some of these elements, hinting at a potentially floating throne that could traverse the audience, intensifying the engagement during the show.
Slated to take place at Villa Park in Birmingham, the concert titled "Back to the Beginning" aims not just to be a nostalgic run but also a charitable endeavor. Proceeds from the event will support several charitable organizations, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
Osbourne's commitment to the concert extends beyond just another performance. He expressed a heartfelt connection to his hometown of Birmingham, highlighting the event as a gesture of giving back to the community that birthed his illustrious career.
“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,” Osbourne shared passionately regarding his sentiments towards the significant locale and event.
While termed a 'farewell' concert, speculation about future performances swirls among fans and participants alike. The uniqueness of the throne and the potential positive reception to Osbourne's adapted presence could lead to further appearances.
“So if Oz has a great time and it’s just, like, ‘I wanna go out on the road again,’ it’s just, like, ‘Good. Let’s do it again,'” Wylde discussed the potential outcomes depending on the satisfaction and physical feasibility for Osbourne within this customized setup.
During rehearsals, Wylde observed Osbourne’s capability and spirit unseen in prior years. “Ozzy was just sitting at the chair, and he was singing ‘Mama, I’m Coming Home,’ and it sounded great. So hopefully we’ll just do this, and then Oz will go, ‘Let’s just fire up the machine again and we’ll do another tour,’" he mentioned optimistically.
The event not only promises a grand reunion of the original members after 20 years but holds emotional significance for community and global fans alike. The group last performed together at the 'Ozzfest' in 2005, making the upcoming event a historical bookmark in the annals of heavy metal music.
Ozzy Osbourne’s preparedness for this special performance has been evident, as he has been reportedly getting back into the gym to ensure he is in the best possible shape, as noted by the show's producer. This points to a deeply personal commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans.
With such a mixture of nostalgia, innovation in performance mechanics, and deep-rooted connections to charitable causes, the "Back to the Beginning" concert promises to be an unparalleled spectacle in the music history of Birmingham and the global stage of metal music.
