3/4th of the classic lineup of Black Sabbath have shared a photo from the ongoing rehearsals for their upcoming live sendoff. Vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geezer Butler and formerly estranged drummer Bill Ward have been practicing for their upcoming July 05th ‘Back To Beginning‘ set at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK. Guitarist Tony Iommi, who is not featured in the picture, is also scheduled to rejoin his aforementioned former bandmates for that farewell show, which will also serve as the live farewell for Ozzy‘s solo touring career.
Rehearsals are underway for Back To The Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow pic.twitter.com/8y5bdv8HIr
— BlackSabbath (@BlackSabbath) June 24, 2025
Osbourne, who has been physically training for the show for sometime now, has remained a wildcard for the performance given his well-documented recent health struggles. Osbourne is expected to perform in a limited capacity at the show (his bandmate Zakk Wylde previously suggested a throne may be employed.) Guest performer Sammy Hagar previously stated that Osbourne will likely front around five solo songs at the show outside of his live duties with Black Sabbath.
However many songs Ozzy is able to front, there will be no shortage of talent present to help send off the pioneering heavy metal outfit and their legendary frontman. Artists booked for this sold-out all-star event include:
Metallica
Guns N’ Roses
Slayer
Tool
Pantera
Gojira
Halestorm
Alice In Chains
Lamb Of God
Anthrax
Mastodon
Rival Sons
Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello is also serving as the musical director for a tribute set to Sabbath and Ozzy. Confirmed guests for that include:
Andrew Watt
Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins)
Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Danny Carey (Tool)
David Draiman (Disturbed)
David Ellefson (ex-Megadeth)
Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses)
Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit)
Lzzy Hale (Halestorm)
Jake E. Lee (Red Dragon Cartel, ex-Ozzy Osbourne)
Jonathan Davis (Korn)
KK Downing (KK’s Priest, ex-Judas Priest)
Mike Bordin (Faith No More/Ozzy Osbourne)
Papa V Perpetua (Ghost)
Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, etc.)
Sammy Hagar (ex-Van Halen)
Slash (Guns N’ Roses)
Soundgarden
Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)
II (Sleep Token)
Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine)
Vernon Reid (Living Colour)
Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe)
Wolfgang Van Halen (Mammoth WVH, ex-Van Halen)
As-yet unannounced surprise performers are also scheduled to hit the stage, while actor Jason Momoa (‘Aquaman‘, ‘Game Of Thrones‘) has been tapped to host the event. The day’s events will be livestreamed via backtothebeginning.com and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Cure Parkinson’s, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
