Ozzy Osbourne Insists “The Original Sabbath Will Never Be on Stage Together Again” Following Back to the Beginning Concert

Often considered one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time, Black Sabbath prepared to take the stage one last time with the Back to the Beginning concert. Bringing back the original lineup of Black Sabbath, even Ozzy Osbourne will capture the spotlight one last time alongside the band that helped launch his career. With the concert becoming a special event for heavy metal, it should come as no surprise that it sold out in just a few minutes. And for those wondering if this would really be the last performance from Ozzy and Black Sabbath, the Prince of Darkness made his thoughts incredibly clear. 

Speaking with Classic Rock about the upcoming concert, Ozzy wanted fans to know how important the concert was. Knowing that bands, including Black Sabbath, will claim a final show only to perform years later, Ozzy insisted, “It’s very important. The original Sabbath will never be on stage together again. From the late 60s, we’re probably one of the only bands where the original members are still alive and speaking with one another.”

Given his age and ongoing health problems, Ozzy wanted to experience performing with the original Black Sabbath lineup one last time. Besides Black Sabbath, the concert will also include Slayer, Alice in Chains, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, and numerous others. Although promoting an stellar lineup of performers, it seemed that guitarist Tony Iommi almost skipped the event. 

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Ozzy Osbourne Using Proceeds To Help Those In Need

Having already performed for what he thought was the last time with Black Sabbath years ago, the musician changed his mind when he learned Bill Ward would take his rightful place behind the drums. “There’d be no point [doing it without Ward]. Because it’s the original line-up, that makes it more proper. So no, I wouldn’t have done it without the original line-up.”

If that wasn’t enough to bring Iommi back, the concert wasn’t a cash grab for the artist as the proceeds would go to help others. Not looking to make money, the Back to the Beginning concert will disperse the proceeds among three charities including Cure Parkinson’s, Acorn Children’s Hospice, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. 

With the Back to the Beginning marking the end of Black Sabbath, the event is sure to become a historic moment for heavy metal.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/AMA2019/Getty Images for dcp)