In a heartfelt open letter shared via NBC News, Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, has penned an emotional message to his longtime bandmate Tony Iommi, the band’s devoted fans, and the broader entertainment community. This letter coincides with the announcement of Black Sabbath’s final reunion concert, “Back to the Beginning,” scheduled for July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham. The event marks the first time in two decades that the original lineup—Osbourne, Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—will perform together, serving as both a farewell and a celebration of their legacy.
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To Tony Iommi: A Brother in Metal
Ozzy begins by expressing profound gratitude to Tony Iommi, acknowledging their complex history filled with both creative synergy and personal challenges. He reflects on their journey from the early days in Aston to global stardom, emphasizing the unbreakable bond forged through music. “Tony, we’ve had our ups and downs, but through it all, your riffs have been the backbone of Black Sabbath. Your resilience and dedication have inspired me beyond words,” Ozzy writes. He also highlights Iommi’s unwavering support during his health struggles, noting, “In my darkest hours, your friendship was a light. Thank you for standing by me.”
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To the Fans: The Lifeblood of Black Sabbath
Addressing the fans, Ozzy pours out his appreciation for their decades of unwavering support. “You’ve been with us through every high and low, every note and lyric. Your loyalty has been our driving force,” he states. He recounts the energy of live performances and the shared experiences that have defined their concerts. “Each show was a communion, a shared pulse between us and you. Those memories are etched in my heart,” Ozzy reminisces. He acknowledges that this final concert is as much a tribute to the fans as it is a farewell, aiming to give them the closure they deserve.
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To the Entertainment Community: A Legacy of Influence
Ozzy extends his message to fellow musicians and the broader entertainment industry, reflecting on Black Sabbath’s influence on the heavy metal genre. He expresses pride in the band’s role in shaping music history and inspiring countless artists. “We’ve seen our sound echo through generations, and it’s been an honor to witness the evolution of metal,” he notes. He also acknowledges the collaborative spirit of the upcoming concert, which will feature performances from renowned artists like Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera, among others.
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A Final Bow: The End of an Era
Concluding his letter, Ozzy reflects on the significance of ending Black Sabbath’s journey where it all began—in Birmingham. “It’s poetic to return to our roots for this final performance. Birmingham is where our story started, and it’s only fitting it ends here,” he writes. He emphasizes that this concert is not just an end but a celebration of a legacy that has spanned over five decades. “As we take this final bow, know that our music lives on in each of you. Thank you for being part of our story.”
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The “Back to the Beginning” concert promises to be a historic event, uniting fans and artists in a celebration of Black Sabbath’s enduring impact on music. Tickets are available through Live Nation, with proceeds benefiting charities such as Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
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