In an interview with The GuardianTony Iommi admitted that he was initially reluctant to the idea of a final concert by Black Sabbath. He explains why he ended up changing his mind, a few weeks before a historic event expected by thousands of fans.
“I didn’t want to do like all these groups” : Tony Iommi returns to his doubts
On July 5, 2025, Black Sabbath will go back on stage in his original training for a last symbolic concert at Villa Park, in Birmingham. But this event baptized Back To The Beginningwhich will also mark the ultimate public performance of Ozzy Osbourne, has not always been unanimous within the group.
In a recent interview with The GuardianTony Iommi said he first refused the idea: “It was I who said: ‘I don’t know if we should do it’, because we have already done a farewell tour, and I didn’t want us to do like all these groups that announce an end, then reappear.” The guitarist here was referring to the tour The Endcompleted in February 2017, and supposed to close the history of the group permanently.
-But an element has tipped the scale: the charitable dimension of the project. The profits of the concert will be donated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice and the organization Cure Parkinson’s. Iommi specifies: “I was convinced, because we do it for a good cause… No one will be paid.”
Ozzy OSBOURNE determined despite the disease
This unique concert is all the more poignant since it represents the last appearance of Ozzy Osbourne on stage. At 76, the singer, weakened by Parkinson’s disease and several operations, said that he “will do his best”, even if he will probably have to perform. In a previous declaration reported by Metalzonehe explained: “I’m used to running everywhere for two hours… this time, I won’t do a lot of jumps or shopping. I might be seated.”
Despite these limitations, Ozzy follows intense preparation to play his role. He repeats daily and relies on a throne specially designed for his physical condition. This return to stage, more than 20 years after the last complete performance with the group’s original members, promises to be moving and historic.
