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? Tony Iommi and Black Sabbath Bid Farewell — Their Legacy Reverberates Forever
Birmingham, England – July 5, 2025
At Villa Park last night, Black Sabbath delivered their landmark “Back to the Beginning” concert—an epic farewell that saw the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—come together on stage for the first time in 20 years .
Tony Iommi’s Emotional Reflection
Guitar legend Tony Iommi delivered heartfelt gratitude before the show, thanking all who “what we did together was greater than any of us” . He referred to returning home to Aston, Birmingham—where Sabbath formed in 1968—being “only appropriate” for their final show .
A Day of Rock Unity
Praised as “heavy metal’s Live Aid,” the concert had 40,000 live spectators and over 5 million online viewers . The concert had performances by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Anthrax, and Tool, among others, in tribute to Sabbath’s iconic catalog .
The Final Notes
Despite battling Parkinson’s, 76-year-old Ozzy performed seated on a gothic throne—including classics like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and “Paranoid” . Iommi’s signature riffs rang clear, affirming his role as the architect of heavy metal’s sound.
Legacy Beyond the Curtain
Black Sabbath’s influence, as the “fathers of heavy metal,” spans generations . Tony Iommi’s dark, down-tuned riff style—born from adapting to a factory injury—reshaped rock music and inspired legends like James Hetfield and Brian May .
Looking Ahead
While this marks the end of Black Sabbath’s live journey, Iommi’s music endures. Fans speculate on new solo work and possible remixes, but for now, the show stands as a defining tribute to a band that changed the world.
