Black Sabbath: Back to the Beginning – A Historic Celebration in Birmingham 

For the first time in two decades, the original Black Sabbath lineup – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward – will reunite on stage. The legendary band is set to headline “Back to the Beginning” on the 5^th July at Villa Park, marking a monumental return to their roots. 

This once-in-a-lifetime event will not only celebrate the pioneers of heavy metal but also feature a special solo set by Ozzy Osbourne, before he rejoins Black Sabbath for his final performance. Birmingham is buzzing with anticipation for this unforgettable moment in music history – a true tribute to the city’s global rock legacy. 

Westside: The Heart of Sabbath Celebrations 

Westside BID, home to the famous Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, continues to draw thousands of visitors each year. The bench features an interactive QR code – scan it and smile to capture a memorable photo of yourself seated where legends are honoured. 

Across Westside, local venues are pulling out all the stops to mark the occasion. Here’s what’s happening: 

The Flapper 

Dates: 5th-6th July 

Location: Cambrian Wharf 

• 5th July: An underground market with tattoo artists and unique vendors. 
• 6th July: A Sabbath-themed DJ playing classic tracks and more. 
• More information: – https://www.instagram.com/p/DLFVdJ5irQ8/?igsh=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA%3D%3D  

The Gentleman Barber 

Date: 4th July 

Location: Brindleyplace 

This stylish barbershop is hosting a Black Sabbath-themed charity night in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.  

• Sabbath music all evening. 
• Themed cocktails and cupcakes. 
• A guest tattooist offering flash tattoos from just £20. 
• A charity raffle with great prizes. 
• More information:- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLQK3I1sXde/?igsh=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA== 

The Brasshouse 

Just a stone’s throw from the iconic Black Sabbath bench and bridge, The Brasshouse is joining in the celebration by serving a special Black Sabbath IPA. In addition to the themed brew, the venue will host a series of live performances: 

• 3^rd July: Smokin Eskimo 
• 4^th July: The Uptown Jukes 
• 5^th July: Stuart Maxwells’s Blues Raiders 
• 6^th July: Jamie Thyer and The Worried Men.  

The Visit of Oz 

A special programme curated by Big Bear Music, founded by Jim Simpson (Black Sabbath’s original manager), will take place across the city: 

• 3rd July: Sabbath-themed events at Snobs on Broad Street. 
• 4 July: Various Westside activities including Snakebite and Slide Boy Roy at Barbara’s Bier House, plus the 10th Global Black Sabbath Convention at the Ye Olde Foundry, Dudley, with Jim Simpson in attendance. 
• More information: – https://www.bigbearmusic.com/thevisitofoz/  

Beyond Westside: More Citywide Events 

June 

• Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero
25^th June – 28^th September 2025. 

More information:– https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/exhibitions/working-class-hero  

• The Crown Pub:
View rare, photographs of Black Sabbath on public display at this iconic venue. 

July  

• Colmore Food Festival 2025:
While rocking out, stop by the Colmore Food Festival organised by Colmore BID, showcasing some of Birmingham’s best restaurants, including Qavali, Siamais, Yorks, and more. 

More information:- https://colmorebusinessdistrict.com/events/colmore-food-festival-2025/ 

• Selfridges: Visit the life-sized brick sculpture of Ozzy Osbourne on display in this landmark shopping centre, plus shop the Black Sabbath collection. 

More information: – https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/black-sabbath/  

This is more than a concert – it’s a full-city celebration of Birmingham’s most iconic musical legacy.  

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Sabbath for the first time, this June and July promises unforgettable experiences across the city.