Renowned guitarist Tom Morello has been appointed as the musical director for Black Sabbath’s upcoming farewell concert, “Back to the Beginning,” scheduled for July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. This event marks the final performance of the original Black Sabbath lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—together on stage.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Morello stated, “Heavy metal is the music that made me love music, and Black Sabbath is the band that invented heavy metal.” He considers it an honor to oversee the musical direction of what is anticipated to be a monumental event in heavy metal history.
The concert boasts a lineup of legendary bands, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon. Additionally, a supergroup featuring artists such as Billy Corgan, Slash, David Draiman, Sammy Hagar, Fred Durst, and K.K. Downing will perform, further elevating the event’s significance.
“Back to the Beginning” not only signifies the end of an era for Black Sabbath but also serves as a charitable endeavor. Proceeds from the concert will support Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, reflecting the band’s commitment to giving back to their community.
Tickets for the event sold out in under 10 minutes, underscoring the immense anticipation and reverence fans hold for Black Sabbath’s legacy. Despite challenges such as high ticket prices and swift sell-outs, the concert is poised to be a historic gathering for heavy metal enthusiasts worldwide.
—
Photo Credit: Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock.com