The landmark moment on July 5 in music history saw Ozzy’s historic final farewell performance for fans at Villa Park stadium in his Birmingham hometown – captured just 17 days before his untimely passing. The film highlights the historic day with performances from Ozzy, Black Sabbath, and some of the most influential names in rock, along with personal reflections from the superstar musicians they inspired and a behind-the-scenes look at the day itself.
Directed by Ben Wainwright-Pearce (Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, George Michael: The Faith Tour), with the live concert directed by Tim van Someren, and produced by Jim Parsons, Jamie Silk, and Dan Seliger. It has been crafted specifically for cinematic presentation, designed to immerse audiences in both the scale of the stadium production and the intimacy of the final performance.
"Back to the Beginning came about because I asked Ozzy what would really make him happy," says Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife and manager who oversaw the legendary event. "And he said the only thing that would make him happy was if he could perform again and say goodbye to his fans. That's all he wanted to do. He wanted to say goodbye and thank you."
The event-which sold out in minutes-brought together generations of fans alongside some of the most influential names in rock to celebrate Black Sabbath's legacy. The show was hosted by Jason Momoa with Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine guitarist) serving as Musical Director for Back to the Beginning. The night included sets from Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Gojira, Guns N Roses, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Metallica, Pantera, Rival Sons, Slayer, and Tool, along with All-Star segments with special guests Adam Wakeman, Andrew Watt, Billy Corgan, Chad Smith, David Draiman, David Ellefson, Jake E. Lee, KK Downing, Mike Bordin, Nuno Bettencourt, Papa V Perpetua (Ghost), Ronnie Wood, Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Sleep Token II, Steven Tyler, Travis Barker, Vernon Reid, Whitfield Crane, and Yungblud.
Ozzy's Black Sabbath band members noted of the event:
"It was a closure for the band and it was a good way to go out, I think," states guitarist Tony Iommi.
"To me it was like pure love,” recalls bassist Geezer Butler. “It was just a wave of love. It's the only way I can describe it really. I mean I could feel it as if it is like tangible."
Drummer Bill Ward adds: “Felt completely at home in a place where I belong. It almost felt like I was in a dream."
“Ozzy & Black Sabbath: Back To The Beginning” will run as an event release beginning October 28 in cinemas worldwide.
Tickets go on sale at 7:00 AM, PT / 10:00 AM, ET /3:00 PM, BST / 4:00 PM, CEST on Thursday September 24 at backtothebeginning.com. Visit the official event website now and sign up for the most current information and event updates.
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