Ozzy Osbourne & Black Sabbath's Back to the Beginning Final Show to Be Released in Theaters
'Presented as a love letter to Ozzy and the pioneering sound of Black Sabbath, the theatrical release will be a distilled version of the epic all-day event held at Villa Park,' read a press release about the feature that will chronicle the all-star, all-day heavy metal gathering of the tribes in Sabbath's hometown on July 5 at Villa Park. 'Featuring thunderous performances of 'War Pigs,' 'Iron Man,' 'Children of the Grave' and a show-stopping 'Paranoid,' the film promises a deeply personal and electrifying farewell from the godfather of heavy metal with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and interviews from this iconic live performance.'
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What was billed as 76-year-old Osbourne's — and Sabbath's — final-ever concert was a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of some of hard rock's most iconic acts, teaming up to celebrate the Prince of Darkness' legendary career. Metallica, Mastodon, Anthrax, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Gojira, Slayer and a supergroup featuring members of Guns N' Roses, the Smashing Pumpkins, Limp Bizkit, Judas Priest, Rage Against the Machine were among the many acts on the bill that day.
And while the sold-out show welcomed 42,000 fans to witness the final bow in person, with more than five million more streaming the epic event via VOD, the film will give those who were not able to watch the original gig a chance to see the magic. According to Variety, after the theatrical release of the Back to the Beginning movie in early 2026, there will also be a physical version available later in the year, with additional details on the rollout and release dates to be announced later.
In addition to giving Osbourne and his original Sabbath band mates — guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward — a chance to say goodbye, the event was also a bittersweet finale for Ozzy, who retired from touring in 2023 due to the physical effects of Parkinson's disease and a series of surgeries to correct a spinal injury. The rock icon performed a solo set and a set with Sabbath while seated on a throne at the show that was the original Sabbath lineup's first time on stage together since 2005.
Before the Back to the Beginning film, Paramount+ will premiere a doc delving into Osbourne's health struggles and prep for the show in No Escape From Now, which is due out later this year. Billboard reported this week that the Back to the Beginning show was the highest-grossing charity concert of all time, donating roughly $190 million to a variety of charities, including Birmingham Children's Hospital, Acorn Children's Hospice and Cure Parkinson's — an organization dedicated to finding a cure for the disease Osbourne has lived with since a 2019 diagnosis.
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Fox News
40 minutes ago
- Fox News
Black Sabbath bassist remembers 'frail' Ozzy Osbourne in heartbreaking account of rock legend's final show
Ozzy Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath for a final performance weeks before his death, a show that would mark the last time bassist Terence "Geezer" Butler would see his longtime friend. Butler reminisced about his time with Osbourne – nearly six decades after the band formed in 1968 – and the significance of their last show together near their hometowns. The Prince of Darkness died on Tuesday, July 22, after battling a number of health issues over the years. He was 76. The bassist noted that Ozzy was a "born entertainer" who would "do anything for a laugh." He coined his friend the "Prince of Laughter." Prior to the July 5 concert, Butler admitted he was aware the lead singer had health issues, but admitted he was shocked to see how "frail" Ozzy had become in his final days. "I knew he wasn't in good health, but I wasn't prepared to see how frail he was," Butler wrote in an essay published in The Sunday Times. "He was helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane — being Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones." Butler continued, "He didn't really say much beyond the usual greetings and when he sang, he sat in a chair. We ran through the songs but we could see it was exhausting him after six or seven songs. We had a bit of a chat, but he was really quiet compared with the Ozzy of old. After a couple more weeks we were ready for the show." The 10-hour show was hosted by Jason Momoa and featured performances from Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Jack Black, Steven Tyler and others. At one point during the show, which was livestreamed in the U.K., legendary drummers, including Tool's Danny Carey, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith and Blink-182's Travis Barker, battled with their drumsticks while playing a cover of Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe." For the closing set, the legendary rock star was lifted to the stage while sitting on a black throne accompanied by skulls and topped with a black bat. He sang hits like "Crazy Train" and "Mama I'm Coming Home" while remaining seated during the entire set. "You have no idea how I feel," Osbourne told the crowd. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Butler remembered the "strangest part of the show was the end." "Normally, we would all hug each other and take a bow to the audience," Butler wrote. "But Ozzy was on his throne and we hadn't thought that out. What do we do? Tony shook his hand, I presented him with a cake, but it was such a strange feeling to end our story like that. "I wish I'd had more time backstage with Ozzy, but wishes are redundant now. As Ozzy used to say: 'Wish in one hand and s--t in the other and see which comes first.'" Butler added, "Nobody knew he'd be gone from us little more than two weeks after the final show. But I am so grateful we got to play one last time together in front of his beloved fans. The love from the fans and all the bands, musicians, singers and solo artists that night was incredible. WATCH: Ozzy Osbourne during his final performance with Black Sabbath "Everyone had come to pay homage to the Prince. I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him. Of course, there are millions of things I will think of that I should have written, but how can I sum up 57 incredible years of friendship in a few paragraphs? God bless, Oz, it has been one hell of a ride! Love you!" Born in Aston, West Midlands, U.K., Ozzy was drawn to the theater as a child, but he ultimately turned to music after listening to one particular song from The Beatles. "When I heard 'She Loves You,' my world went up like a shooting star," Osbourne once told Esquire. "It was a divine experience. The planets changed. I used to fantasize that Paul McCartney would marry my sister." After leaving school as a teenager, Osbourne spent six weeks in prison after being convicted of robbing a clothing store. It was in 1967 he was recruited by Butler to be a vocalist in a band that would become Black Sabbath. Years before his death, Osbourne reflected on the lasting legacy he wished to leave on the world as his Parkinson's disease progressed. "Survival is my legacy," he told People magazine. "I mean, I'm 73. People go, 'Well, you're 70 … why don't I throw the towel in?' Why should I? People still want to buy my records. People still want to see me, so why should I? It motivates me to get off my backside and do something. I mean, if my career had gone down the toilet and I knew it was the end, I'd be pretty miserable." Osbourne is survived by wife Sharon, daughters Kelly and Aimee, and son Jack, in addition to daughter Jessica, and sons Elliot and Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Osbourne's Black Sabbath bandmate 'wasn't prepared' for how frail he appeared before final show
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Geezer Butler, the founding bassist of Black Sabbath, revealed how the band's final concert came together weeks before Ozzy Osbourne's death. In a tribute written for the Times of London, Butler said he was initially taken aback by Osbourne's appearance when the band came in for rehearsals. 'I knew he wasn't in good health, but I wasn't prepared to see how frail he was,' Butler shared, in an otherwise glowing tribute to his longtime bandmate. 'He was helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane — being Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones.' Butler said that Osbournce became exhausted 'after six or seven songs' and was 'really quiet compared to the Ozzy of old.' The concert on July 5 was still a massive success, with bands indebted to Sabbath performing before a double set of Osbourne's solo material and Black Sabbath's biggest hits. Osbourne died on July 22, after a years-long battle with Parkinson's disease. Butler shared his appreciation that he got to play one last time with a nearly lifelong friend. 'Nobody knew he'd be gone from us little more than two weeks after the final show. But I am so grateful we got to play one last time together in front of his beloved fans. The love from the fans and all the bands, musicians, singers and solo artists that night was incredible,' he wrote. 'Everyone had come to pay homage to the Prince. I am so privileged to have spent most of my life with him.' The post Osbourne's Black Sabbath bandmate 'wasn't prepared' for how frail he appeared before final show appeared first on
Yahoo
3 hours ago
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Anthony Mackie shares his thoughts on Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. "You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain," as quoted from that comic book movie set in the universe down the street from the MCU. By the end of next year, Robert Downey Jr. will have done both when he finally arrives in theaters as the leader of Latveria and metal-plated bad guy, Victor von Doom. Bringing back the star power and charisma he let rip as Iron Man and using it for evil in the franchise he helped build, the excitement levels are high as to what kind of Doctor Doom he'll be delivering in the upcoming movie. Whatever it ends up being, though, the new Captain America he'll be facing off against welcomes his return. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, current Captain America Anthony Mackie shared his thoughts on Downey returning to the MCU and expressed his gratitude for seeing it happen. 'You know, the fun part is Robert Downey Jr. was such an integral part of the beginning of my career at Marvel," he confessed. "It's great to have him back and continue the legacy he built with the MCU.' By the sounds of things, it almost feels like he never left after his original Iron Avenger, Tony Stark, made the killer snap that brought back half the MCU in Avengers: Endgame. Not only working with stars he left behind in the 2019 film, Downey is also welcoming in the newcomers to the MCU that are set to join in on this super-sized endeavor. Speaking to The Happy Sad Confused Podcast, The Fantastic Four: First Steps star discussed what it was like to see the original star of the MCU in action and behind the scenes. 'He's the most incredible human being—soulful, deep, kind. He's been an amazing leader to us, considering we're the newbies, you know," she explained. "And a lot of the others have known this world for a really long time. He's just doing the most amazing work.' Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a while to see this amazing work in action when Avengers: Doomsday lands in theaters on December 18, 2026. For everything we know about the arrival of Doom, head here. Solve the daily Crossword
