Today, Back to the Beginning marks the last ever live performance by the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne. Held in his hometown of Birmingham and livestreamed globally, the one-off gig promises to be a historic farewell, a heavy metal pilgrimage – and one of the biggest events in musical history.
Tom Morello is the Musical Director of the all-day concert, and has teased it as the “most important day” in heavy metal history, while The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan has said, “This might be the greatest one day lineup in the history of rock.”
Here’s everything you need to know – from how to watch, to the packed lineup – and its surprise guests.
Exclusive unseen photo of Black Sabbath, 1970s / Credit: Black Sabbath
1. It’s Ozzy’s final bow… and it had to be in Birmingham
Ozzy’s made it clear: this is the end of the road. “It’s my final encore,” he said. “I couldn’t have done my final show anywhere else. I had to go back to the beginning.” That beginning is, of course, Villa Park, just miles from where he grew up in Aston, in Birmingham – and even the place where once upon a time, pre-rock super stardom, he used to ask for a shilling to watch matchgoers’ cars.
2. The lineup is stacked with pure metal royalty
It’s not just Ozzy performing this Saturday, but a full-on Live Aid-style lineup of the biggest bands in the world, with the – and the legends are turning up in force. That includes a reunion of Black Sabbath’s classic lineup, including Tony Iommi, alongside other legends of metal – including guest appearances from Metallica, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Slayer, and more. A-list actor and known rocker Jason Momoa will also act as the host for the one-day spectacular.
Back to the Beginning will be a Live Aid-style all-day event packed with rock superstars
3. …and you’re going to lose your mind at the special guests
Tom Morello has also teased that, “There are some surprises on the bill – you have no idea and you’re going to lose your mind. Already also listed on the bill to give “additional performances” are Andrew Watt, Billy Corgan, Chad Smith, Fred Durst, Lzzy Hale, Jonathan Davis, Papa V Perpetua, Sammy Hagar, Sleep Token ii, Steve Tyler, and Zakk Wylde – fans will have to watch the livestream for even more rock royalty.
4. Didn’t manage to get a ticket to the gig? Don’t worry – you can watch at home, too
Can’t get to Birmingham? No problem. The show is being livestreamed globally, starting 3:00pm BST / 10:00am EST on Saturday. Virtual doors open 30 minutes early, and fans have 48 hours to replay the full set. Tickets are £24.99, or £54.00 if you want the exclusive merch T-shirt bundle. You can buy your livestream ticket now, at backtothebeginning.com
5. This isn’t just a reunion concert, it’s the most epic goodbye in metal history
Ozzy has been clear: this is it. Health issues, including a Parkinson’s diagnosis and major spinal surgery, have kept him off the stage in recent years. But this weekend, he’s going out with a bang, surrounded by the people and the music that made him a global icon. “It’s a goodbye as far as my live performances go,” he said, “And what a way to go out.” Expect it to be a love letter to the fans to – as Ozzy says he hopes fans “feel appreciated for how much they mean to me.”
Expect heavy riffs. Expect the odd bat. And expect even more tears.
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The Luxe Review 
Today, Back to the Beginning marks the last ever live performance by the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne. Held in his hometown of Birmingham and livestreamed globally, the one-off gig promises to be a historic farewell, a heavy metal pilgrimage – and one of the biggest events in musical history.
Tom Morello is the Musical Director of the all-day concert, and has teased it as the “most important day” in heavy metal history, while The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan has said, “This might be the greatest one day lineup in the history of rock.”
Here’s everything you need to know – from how to watch, to the packed lineup – and its surprise guests.
1. It’s Ozzy’s final bow… and it had to be in Birmingham
Ozzy’s made it clear: this is the end of the road. “It’s my final encore,” he said. “I couldn’t have done my final show anywhere else. I had to go back to the beginning.” That beginning is, of course, Villa Park, just miles from where he grew up in Aston, in Birmingham – and even the place where once upon a time, pre-rock super stardom, he used to ask for a shilling to watch matchgoers’ cars.
2. The lineup is stacked with pure metal royalty
It’s not just Ozzy performing this Saturday, but a full-on Live Aid-style lineup of the biggest bands in the world, with the – and the legends are turning up in force. That includes a reunion of Black Sabbath’s classic lineup, including Tony Iommi, alongside other legends of metal – including guest appearances from Metallica, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Slayer, and more. A-list actor and known rocker Jason Momoa will also act as the host for the one-day spectacular.
3. …and you’re going to lose your mind at the special guests
Tom Morello has also teased that, “There are some surprises on the bill – you have no idea and you’re going to lose your mind. Already also listed on the bill to give “additional performances” are Andrew Watt, Billy Corgan, Chad Smith, Fred Durst, Lzzy Hale, Jonathan Davis, Papa V Perpetua, Sammy Hagar, Sleep Token ii, Steve Tyler, and Zakk Wylde – fans will have to watch the livestream for even more rock royalty.
4. Didn’t manage to get a ticket to the gig? Don’t worry – you can watch at home, too
Can’t get to Birmingham? No problem. The show is being livestreamed globally, starting 3:00pm BST / 10:00am EST on Saturday. Virtual doors open 30 minutes early, and fans have 48 hours to replay the full set. Tickets are £24.99, or £54.00 if you want the exclusive merch T-shirt bundle. You can buy your livestream ticket now, at backtothebeginning.com
5. This isn’t just a reunion concert, it’s the most epic goodbye in metal history
Ozzy has been clear: this is it. Health issues, including a Parkinson’s diagnosis and major spinal surgery, have kept him off the stage in recent years. But this weekend, he’s going out with a bang, surrounded by the people and the music that made him a global icon. “It’s a goodbye as far as my live performances go,” he said, “And what a way to go out.” Expect it to be a love letter to the fans to – as Ozzy says he hopes fans “feel appreciated for how much they mean to me.”
Expect heavy riffs. Expect the odd bat. And expect even more tears.
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