Black Sabbath reunites after 20 years for Birmingham concert

Black Sabbath’s original line-up, featuring Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, will perform together for the first time in two decades at a one-off show in Birmingham this summer.

Ozzy Osbourne performs during the closing ceremony at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, Britain, on August 8, 2022. Photo by Hannah Mckay/Reuters

By Sarah Oktaviany and Hayu Andin

Heavy metal legends Black Sabbath are set to reunite for a historic concert this summer, with the band’s original members performing together for the first time in two decades. The much-anticipated one-off show will take place on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England, the birthplace of the band. The concert will feature Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — the founding members who revolutionized heavy metal in the early 1970s.

Black Sabbath’s music, including hits like "War Pigs," "Paranoid," and "Iron Man," laid the foundation for the heavy metal genre, influencing generations of bands and fans. This reunion marks a rare opportunity to see the iconic band return to the stage together in their original line-up.

Though Black Sabbath has reunited for partial performances since their last full concert in 2005, this show in July will be the first time all four original members will perform together in 20 years. Fans of the band, many of whom have followed the group since its inception, are eagerly awaiting this unique opportunity to witness the legendary line-up in action once more.

Ozzy Osbourne, the band’s charismatic frontman, shared his excitement for the upcoming concert. “It’s time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” said Osbourne. “How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal.”

The Birmingham concert is being advertised as Black Sabbath’s final performance together. The event will feature not only the band’s reunion but also a stellar line-up of rock and metal heavyweights, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, and Anthrax. Dubbed "Back to the Beginning," the concert is expected to be a monumental event in the history of heavy metal.

In addition to the historic musical performances, the event will raise money for important causes. Profits from the concert will be donated to charity, including Cure Parkinson’s, an organization close to Osbourne’s heart. The support of Parkinson’s research highlights the significance of the event, as Osbourne himself has been living with Parkinson’s disease since 2020.

Birmingham has long been considered the birthplace of heavy metal, and the city holds a special place in the hearts of Black Sabbath and their fans. For Osbourne, this reunion concert is deeply personal. “Birmingham is the true home of metal,” he remarked, underscoring the band’s strong connection to the city that shaped their music and their legacy.

The band’s roots in Birmingham have always been a point of pride for Black Sabbath. Osbourne, Iommi, Butler, and Ward all grew up in the area, and it was here that they formed the band that would go on to change the landscape of rock music forever. The July 5 concert will allow fans to see the original line-up back in the place where it all began, celebrating the rich history and legacy of the band and the city.

Black Sabbath’s lasting legacy in the metal world

Since their formation in 1968, Black Sabbath has been at the forefront of heavy metal music, influencing countless bands and leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Their pioneering sound, characterized by heavy guitar riffs, dark themes, and groundbreaking lyrics, has earned them legendary status in the music world.

The band’s work continues to inspire new generations of metal musicians, and their albums remain classics in the heavy metal canon. Black Sabbath’s impact on rock and metal is immeasurable, and their place in music history is secured.

While the reunion concert is being promoted as the band’s final show, it remains to be seen whether this truly marks the end of Black Sabbath’s live performances. Fans are hopeful that this reunion may signal a possible return for the band, but for now, the Birmingham concert is set to be a fitting conclusion to their remarkable journey.

The future of Black Sabbath’s legacy, however, remains bright. Their influence on rock and heavy metal will continue for years to come, and this summer’s reunion concert will undoubtedly be an unforgettable moment for fans who have supported the band throughout their storied career.