Black Sabbath reunite at Villa Park for a final farewell performance, with Ozzy Osbourne taking his last bow. The event has drawn global attention—and given Birmingham’s economy a boost.
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00:00Black Sabbath's final ever performance will take place on Saturday 5th July at Villa Park in the Aston area of Birmingham.
00:14Guides open at 12 noon with music scheduled to begin from around 2pm.
00:19The headline reunion set from Black Sabbath is expected to start in the evening with Ozzy Osbourne taking to the stage for a solo set
00:27before being joined by the full original line-up Tony Iommi, Giza Butler and Bill Ward for the first time in over two decades.
00:37This is not a typical gig. The event is called Back to the Beginning and marks not only Ozzy's last live performance
00:45but also a symbolic return to the city where it all began.
00:49Due to ongoing health issues Ozzy will perform seated but organisers say the show is fully tailored around him.
00:56Longtime guitarist Zach Wald will join Ozzy's solo band while a revolving door of guest musicians and bands are set to appear across the day.
01:05The line-up includes names such as Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Anthrax, Mastodon, Alice in Chines and more.
01:15Many are scheduled for full or partial sets across multiple stages with others contributing pre-recorded tributes or appearances via screen.
01:24Tickets sold out shortly after launch in February but a global live stream will allow fans to watch from home.
01:32It will be available from 3pm UK time via a dedicated platform produced by Mercury Studios and Kizway with options for replays over a 48-hour window.
01:43At the venue fans should expect high security entry, bag checks and road closures around the stadium from mid-morning.
01:50No public parking is available at Villa Park.
01:53Attendees are being urged to use public transport with shuttle services running from Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill and Perry Bar.
02:02Stadium catering will be in full operation with food and drink vendors but alcohol is restricted to designated zones.
02:10Merch stalls are set up across the perimeter and inside concourses though some have advised arriving early as demand is expected to outstrip supply.
02:20For fans coming from outside the city, accommodation will be tight.
02:24Hotels across Birmingham, Aston and Southern Caulfield have been booked out since the line-up was announced.
02:30Last-minute travellers may need to look as far afield as Wolverhampton or Coventry for available rooms.
02:37Despite the spectacle, there's a community undercurrent too. Proceeds are set to be split between Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Icons Children's Hospice.
02:49For many fans it's not just about closing a chapter, it's about doing it where it all began, for of course that matters.