Ozzy Osbourne ProfileBack to the Beginning, the triumphant tribute concert for Ozzy Osbourne and heavy metal trailblazers Black Sabbath, is heading to cinemas.
The original event, held at Villa Park, Birmingham, on Saturday, 5 July, was a jam-packed nine-hour show.
It featured performances from Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, Mastodon, Gojira, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, and others, plus supergroup sets starring Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and more, all paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. The iconic frontman and the band performed hit-filled sets at the end of the day.
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello served as the event’s musical director, while Aquaman actor Jason Momoa hosted.
The cinema release will contain the final time that Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath hit the stage. It’s also expected to explore Black Sabbath’s incredible legacy, feature personal reflections from musicians they inspired, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the life-changing day.
Filmed on 5 July last year in the band’s home of Birmingham, England, Ozzy reunited with his bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for a triumphant full-band performance, as well as a solo set.
Back to the Beginning took place just 17 days before Ozzy Osbourne’s untimely passing last July. Together, Ozzy and his Black Sabbath bandmates presented their first live performance in over 20 years.
Ozzy & Black Sabbath: Back to the Beginning lands in cinemas worldwide for a limited release on Wednesday, 28 October. Tickets go on sale next Thursday, 24 September, at the Back to the Beginning website. Sign up for updates and find out where the film will play near you.
“Back to the Beginning came about because I asked Ozzy what would really make him happy,” Sharon Osbourne said. “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 film was directed by Ben Wainwright-Pearce (Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, George Michael: The Faith Tour) and produced by Jim Parsons, Jamie Silk, and Dan Seliger. The live concert was directed by Tim van Someren.
Mercury Studios co-leads, Ken Danquah and Andrea Dunn, said of the film in a joint statement, “Ozzy Osbourne is one of the most influential figures in music history, and his final performance with Black Sabbath deserves to be seen on the biggest possible stage.
“Last year, we brought this legendary concert to fans across the globe, offering millions the chance to be there through an unprecedented livestream.
“This film is the next chapter, giving fans a new way to experience that night on the big screen. Back To The Beginning captures the scale of a stadium performance and the intimacy of a farewell, crafted specifically for the cinema screen.”
Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing, added, “Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning concert was a landmark cultural moment.
“Bringing it to cinemas worldwide is an opportunity to further cement Ozzy’s legacy and impact. We are really looking forward to giving fans around the world a chance to experience this final celebration of Ozzy and Black Sabbath together on the big screen.”
