Black Sabbath’s forthcoming Again to the Starting present in July is shaping as much as be one of many greatest metallic occasions in historical past. Sabbath’s authentic lineup – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Invoice Ward and Geezer Butler – are set to be supported by the likes of Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira and lots of extra. So yeah, it’s gonna be large.

However this isn’t the primary time the metallic pioneers have offered a present or tour as their final. Most just lately, the band launched into a trek named The Finish between 2016 and 2017, with Osbourne, Iommi and Butler joined by Tommy Clufetos rather than Invoice Ward.

However with every member of their mid-to-late 70s, they are saying 2025’s Again to the Starting present would be the final time we’ll see them carry out collectively onstage.

“I’ll by no means say by no means, as a result of I’ve mentioned by no means too many instances earlier than, and look what occurred,” Butler says in a brand new interview with Basic Rock.

“However I severely suppose that is the precise finish. Until somebody digs us up or finds our DNA sooner or later and recreates us.”

Tony Iommi says he “didn’t initially wish to do that one”, including: “I’d already closed the door on it, and I believed that was it.”

Sharon Osbourne – who just lately recalled the time she had followers throw baked beans at Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson – additionally confirms that this might be Ozzy Osbourne’s last present, “one thousand p.c”.

“Every thing that Ozzy’s ever wished to do, he’s performed,” she says. “Each place he’s ever wished to go. He’s simply had an unimaginable life. He’s performed. Actually, after this we’re going to go dwelling and shut the door.”

That mentioned, Ozzy doesn’t plan to cease recording new music, solely name it quits on performing stay exhibits.

“So far as recording goes, I nonetheless get pleasure from doing my very own work,” he says. “For the foreseeable future I’ll carry on recording, if the initiatives curiosity me.”

Black Sabbath’s Again to the Starting present takes place 5 July at Villa Park in Birmingham. As you would possibly count on, tickets offered out fairly rapidly – some for hundreds – however you’ll find out extra data at ozzy.com.