In a new interview with Detroit’s WRIF radio station, Wolfgang Van Halen discussed his previously announced involvement in BLACK SABBATH‘s “Back To The Beginning” final concert at Birmingham’s Villa Park on Saturday, July 5.
“I, unfortunately, had to back out because the CREED tour [with Wolfgang‘s MAMMOTH as the support act] starts the day after, and I [wouldn’t] be able to pull it off — unfortunately,” Wolfgang said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “I’m very excited to watch it, but I unfortunately had to back out.”
Just under two months ago, Wolfgang expressed his excitement to “Loudwire Nights” about playing Ozzy‘s final concert.
“My family lineage has is intertwined and has gone way back with the likes of Ozzy,” Van Halen said at the time. “And I know my dad was very, very close with Tony [Iommi, SABBATH guitarist] probably the closest of any other guitar players out there. So it was a crazy honor to be there for [Ozzy‘s] Hall Of Fame induction [in October 2024], as well as this. It’s a crazy thing.”
The upcoming “Back to the Beginning” concert, set for Saturday, July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK, is already shaping up to be one of the most iconic events in rock history. Billed as Ozzy Osbourne’s last-ever live performance, the event also marks the first time in over two decades that the original BLACK SABBATH members will share the stage again in their hometown — where it all began more than 50 years ago.
And this won’t be just any farewell show. In an interview with Planet Rock, Download Festival booker Andy Copping revealed that “Back to the Beginning” will feature a massive all-day lineup and surprise appearances. “There’s a couple of acts that have confirmed but not been announced yet,” Copping said. “They’re going to be part of the proceedings… we don’t want to miss out on opportunities of people we think will give us a second enhancement of how great the bill is.”
Already confirmed to perform are heavyweights like METALLICA, GUNS N’ ROSES, SLAYER, PANTERA, TOOL, ALICE IN CHAINS, HALESTORM, ANTHRAX, SAMMY HAGAR, LAMB OF GOD, and Papa V Perpetua — making this a colossal celebration of metal history. With rumors swirling about “two or three” surprise acts still under wraps, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch.
To keep the day moving at full throttle, organizers are employing a revolving stage that will allow only 10–12 minutes between bands. “It’s going to be act after act after act,” Copping said. “It’s almost like blink and you’ll miss it.”
The event, hosted by actor and lifelong metalhead Jason Momoa, will also feature a special supergroup segment, further paying tribute to BLACK SABBATH’s monumental legacy.
While the in-person show has long been sold out, fans worldwide will be able to witness the spectacle via a global livestream produced by Mercury Studios and Kiswe. The stream kicks off at 3:00 p.m. BST on July 5, and includes a 48-hour window to rewatch the full concert. Livestream tickets are available now at www.backtothebeginning.com.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.