Tom Morello Says to Expect ‘Huge Superstar’ Surprise Guests at Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Show

Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello has confirmed that he will serve as musical director for Back To The Beginning.

That’s that massive one-off event marking Ozzy Osbourne’s final live performance. And when I say massive, I mean it. The show which will take place on 5 July also marks a full reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup.

Speaking to Australian Musician, Morello called it “the greatest day in the history of heavy metal.” He later added that some “huge superstars” not yet announced will also appear as surprise guests. While the official lineup is already stacked, Morello has hinted at additional moments still being kept under wraps. This includes a first-time collaboration between himself, Tool’s Adam Jones, and Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan.

Morello said he was approached directly by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne to curate the event. “Ozzy and Sabbath are the reason I picked up a guitar,” he said. “Being asked to help close the book on that legacy and Ozzy’s live career was an honour I didn’t see coming.”

The event will be the first time since 2005 that Black Sabbath’s original lineup namely: Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward perform together. It’s also Ozzy’s final show following years of health issues that have sidelined his live appearances.

A long list of other guests will appear across the 10-hour event, including Gojira, Alice In Chains, Mastodon, Lamb of God, Halestorm, and Anthrax. A one-off “supergroup” will also perform. This features members of Judas Priest, Van Halen, Disturbed, Faith No More, Korn, Ghost, and more.

All proceeds from Back To The Beginning will go to Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice.

Ozzy last played a full show in 2018. Although he did make short appearances in 2022 at the Commonwealth Games and an NFL halftime performance. This will mark the final chapter in a live career that shaped the genre from the ground up — fittingly ending in the city of Birmingham, where it all began.

You can watch the full interview with Morello below.