Black Sabbath’s lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne shared on his Instagram that he’s preparing one last show with the original band. Tony Iommi and Ozzy’s wife, Sharon told fans their final show will be at Villa Park, Birmingham on July 5th. Then on February 6th, Sharon shared an update on her husband’s status on Parkinson’s disease affecting his ability to walk.
The ‘Back To The Beginning’ Show
Ozzy wanted to return to his birthplace, Birmingham, England. The original Black Sabbath formed in this city in 1968. With Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, they conquered the music world with heavy metal. Black Sabbath sold 75 million albums worldwide, influencing the younger musicians along the way.
Back To The Beginning music director, Tom Morello has organized performances for the show. Ozzy’s official website has listed artists who will be joining the one-night event:
- Metallica
- Slayer
- Pantera
- Gojira
- Halestorm
- Alice in Chains
- Lamb of God
- Anthrax
- Mastodon
- Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins)
- David Draiman (Disturbed)
- Duff McKagen (Gn’R)
- Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit)
- Lzzy Hale
- Jake E. Lee
- Johnathan Davis (Korn)
- KK Downing
- Mike Findin (Faith No More)
- Papa V. Perpetua (Ghost)
- Rudy Sarzo
- Sammy Hagar
- Slash (Gn’R)
- Sleep Token II (Sleep Token)
- Wolfgang Van Halen
Spreading Awareness on Parkinson’s
Back To The Beginning is on a mission to raise awareness about Parkinson’s. Ozzy himself has been diagnosed with the brain disorder since 2019. The disease is known to gradually decrease proper body coordination and functionality. Sharon told BBC he’s determined to make this show happen despite losing his ability to walk.
She said, “He’s excited to be with the guys again. It’s exciting for everyone. […] He never had the chance to say goodbye to them, to his fans, and there was no full stop. This is his full stop.”
All of the profits earned will be going to Cure Parkinson’s, a non-profit that researches new treatments for the brain disorder. This hits home with the United Kingdom as 1 in 37 people is afflicted with the disease. Other charities involved are Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
Using Time For A Noble Act
Ozzy Osbourne wanted to do what he loved for one last time. His positivity to perform shows he’s prepared to make a difference. While fans are saddened by his announcement, Ozzy expressed his joy on Instagram: “How blessed I am to do it with the people I love. Birmingham will always be the true home of metal.” Back To The Beginning tickets will be sold on LiveNation on February 14th at 10 am BST (4 am US EST).
