Black Sabbath announcement made ahead of Villa Park gig
Villa Park has played host to countless iconic footballing moments over the years, and this will now extend to the world of heavy metal.
Aston Villa have played their games at Villa Park since 1897, and the famous ground has played host to millions of fans over the years for both football and cultural events.
With Unai Emery’s side yet to return to pre-season action, the stadium is available for non-sporting events to be held throughout the summer, and a huge one is on the horizon.
Heavy metal icons Black Sabbath will host one of the biggest days in the history of metal as they will play their final ever concert on Saturday, July 5, and there will be a lot of big names in attendance.
Black Sabbath awarded freedom of Birmingham
Black Sabbath announced in February that they would reunite for a first show in 20 years, titled “Back to the Beginning,” for what will be their final ever performance.
Frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who is in poor health, will be celebrated by some of the biggest names in metal, including Metallica, Slayer and Pantera, and he has now received recognition in his hometown.
The four members of Black Sabbath – Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Lommi and Bill Ward – have now been awarded the freedom of Birmingham.
This comes ahead of their reunion concert at Villa Park, in which they will play some of Sabbath’s greatest hits, as well as some of Osbourne’s biggest solo songs including Crazy Train.
Black Sabbath’s connection to Aston Villa
Premier League advertising hoardings around the pitch at Villa Park were promoting this show since its announcement, and there is a significant cultural connection between Black Sabbath and Aston Villa.
Osbourne is a life-long Villa fan, and as one of the biggest names in the history of heavy metal, he and the club have previously worked together in kit releases and marketing campaigns.
Villa fans also displayed a tifo honouring Osbourne during their Champions League clash with Celtic earlier this season, and the Prince of Darkness will now return for one final farewell.
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