Black Sabbath have reunited in rehearsal ahead of the Back To The Beginning show in Birmingham, with Ozzy Osbourne set to bow out on July 5.
Black Sabbath have shared their first official rehearsal photo ahead of what’s set to be the final performance of their career, with the ‘Back To The Beginning’ show taking place on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham.
The image, posted to social media, shows Ozzy Osbourne joined by Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, relaxing together on a couch in what appears to be the early stages of preparing for the last time they’ll share a stage under the Black Sabbath name. Tony Iommi, who will also perform at the event, isn’t in the shot but is confirmed to be part of the reunion.
The ‘Back To The Beginning’ show will serve as a farewell not only to Black Sabbath as a band, but also to Ozzy Osbourne’s live career. The Prince of Darkness has been open about ongoing health issues, and while he’s expected to perform only a few songs, the show marks a definitive end to his time on stage.
The event’s lineup reads more like a rock and metal Hall of Fame than a standard farewell gig. Artists performing both original sets and Black Sabbath covers include Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Tool, Guns N’ Roses, Lamb of God, Alice In Chains, Anthrax, Gojira, Halestorm, Rival Sons and Mastodon.
A huge all-star jam will cap off the day, with confirmed guests including Billy Corgan, Chad Smith, David Draiman, Duff McKagan, Slash, Lzzy Hale, Papa V Perpetua, Tom Morello, Wolfgang Van Halen, Steven Tyler, KK Downing, Fred Durst, and many more.
Tickets to the Birmingham show are already sold out, but fans worldwide will be able to watch the historic set via livestream. If you’re in Australia, we’ve written up a rundown of where (and when) to catch the show live.
This show is a generational send-off for one of metal’s most influential and enduring acts. After more than five decades, Black Sabbath will return to where it all started, one final time.
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