Tony Iommi Reflects on Black Sabbath’s Final Show: “What We Created Together Exceeded Us All”

Emotional Statement from Tony Iommy

Tony Iommy shared an emotional statement following the announcement of Black Sabbath’s final living show.

• READ MORE: Ozzi Osbourne: Rock -N -Roll -Showman, like no other

Announcement of the Final Show

Today (February 5), it was revealed that the legendary metal group, featuring iconic members Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward, will perform live for the first time in two decades on July 5 in Villa Park, Birmingham, their hometown.

This event, also featuring performances from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Anthrax, and others, was announced at the Aston Villa venue, attended by Iommi and Sharon Osbourne, the manager and wife of the cult frontman.

Following this announcement, Iommi posted an emotional message on social media.

It was an incredible journey, but it is only appropriate that it ends here where it all began in Aston. It is great to be honored with your colleagues—musicians and at the same time support good deeds. None of this would be possible without Ozzy, Geezer and Bill. What we created … pic.twitter.com/ggjoa8xyoa

– Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) February 5, 2025

“It was an incredible journey, but it is only appropriate that it ends here where it all started in Aston,” he wrote. “It is great to be honored with your colleagues—musicians and at the same time support good deeds. None of this would be possible without Ozzy, Geezer and Bill. What we created together was more than any of us, and I will always be grateful for it. Tony.”

Ticket Sales and Charity Support

Tickets for the final Black Sabbath show will go on sale next Friday (February 14) at 10 a.m. GMT, with all proceeds benefiting Cure Parkinson’s charity organizations, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and the Acorn Children’s Hospice supported by Aston Villa. Visit tickets here.

Other artists scheduled to appear throughout the day include Billy Corgan, David Draiman from Disturbed, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Duff McKagan, Fred Durst, Sammy Hagar, Wolfgang Van Halen, Zakk Wylde, Jonathan Davis of Korn, Slash, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, and the recent Grammy winners, Gojira.

Rumors of a potential reunion show with metal veterans have circulated in recent years. For example, in 2024, Osbourne expressed his willingness to “take advantage of the chance” to play at the final “Black Sabbath” show alongside drummer Bill Ward, while Butler hinted at an agreement to perform the last concert with Osbourne.

Around the same time, Sharon revealed that Ozzy planned “two more shows to say goodbye” before fully retiring.

The band concluded their last farewell tour in 2017 at the Birmingham Arena. However, last May, the singer voiced some disappointment that their final date did not feature Bill Ward, who had a falling out with the band in 2012 over what he deemed an “unfair contract.”

By the end of last year, hopes for a reunion appeared to fade, as Iommi remarked that although he expressed interest in performing together again, he doubted it would materialize.

Additionally, Ozzy spoke about his health decline, acknowledging that he might have to “accept the fact” that a live return could be thwarted by challenges stemming from his battle with Parkinson’s disease and recovery from multiple surgeries.