By Donna Richardson
Birmingham is set for a summer of Black Sabbath celebrations, beginning with this weekend’s concert at Villa Park, where Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward will perform together for the first time in 20 years.
They will headline BACK TO THE BEGINNING on July 5th at Villa Park, an all-star event celebrating the true creators of heavy metal. Ozzy Osbourne will perform a short solo set before joining Black Sabbath for a final bow.
“It’s my time to go back to the Beginning… time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” Ozzy stated, emphasising his strong ties to Birmingham.
The city is recognised as the true home of metal, and Ozzy expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform there.
Formed in Birmingham in 1968, Black Sabbath is revered as one of the most successful metal bands in history, selling over 75 million albums globally. Their influence on the heavy metal genre remains pivotal today.
Music Director Tom Morello anticipates the event, proclaiming, “This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever.” BACK TO THE BEGINNING will also showcase performances from other iconic bands such as Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera, alongside a supergroup of renowned musicians.
All profits from the event will benefit several charities, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
Yesterday, at a ceremony honouring their achievements, the founding members of Black Sabbath received the Freedom of the City of Birmingham. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham presented them with scrolls and medals, recognising their significant contributions to the city’s cultural identity.
In addition to this recognition, an exhibition featuring Ozzy Osbourne’s accolades and memorabilia has opened at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, celebrating his legacy and connection to the city.
Sam Watson, Chair of Central BID Birmingham, said: “Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath helped shape modern music and put Birmingham on the global cultural map. These exhibitions are a celebration of our city’s creativity, influence and spirit. Central BID is proud to give fans the chance to walk in the footsteps of true legends.”
Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, Co-CEOs of Birmingham Museums Trust, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to ‘Working Class Hero’ – a landmark exhibition for a true Brummie icon. Ozzy’s story is Birmingham’s story: raw, resilient and full of heart. It’s an honour to share it with the world.”
With the Ozzy exhibition now open, stunning open-air tributes throughout the city, and Black Sabbath’s historic homecoming concert at Villa Park on the horizon, Birmingham has become the ultimate destination for rock fans this summer.
Luxury department store Selfridges has launched a Black Sabbath merchandise range in celebration of the event.
And on Saturday 28 June, all founding members of Black Sabbath came together to sign the striking new Navigation Stteet artwork.
Westside is home to the Black Sabbath Bench and bridge. On 4 July The Gentleman Barber will host a Black Sabbath themed charity night in aid of Birmingham Children;s Hospital. and the Brasshouse will have Black Sabbath IPA. On 5 July there will be an underground market with tafoo artists and vendors, on 6 July a Sabbath themed DJ will play classic tracks and
The Crown Pub has some rare photos of the band and a real life sized Ozzy made of bricks.
For those who can’t attend the performance at Villa Park, the monumental farewell show will be streamed worldwide on July 5th, making music history accessible to fans everywhere. Tickets for the livestream can be purchased at BackToTheBeginning.com.
For more ‘Summer of Sabbath’ events and a downloadable map of city centre Black Sabbath locations go to visitbirmingham.com
