Black Sabbath coming back to Birmingham!

Who are BLACK SABBATH?

Black Sabbath are an English rock band that originated in Birmingham in 1968, founded by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are frequently recognized as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped shape the genre with their initial three albums, Black Sabbath, Paranoid (both released in 1970), and Master of Reality (1971). During the 1980s and 1990s, the band experienced numerous line-up changes, with Iommi remaining the sole constant member throughout its history. However, since 1997, the band has mostly reunited with its original members (except for Ward at times).

Coming Back Home.

In February 2025, Osbourne revealed that Black Sabbath's original line-up would reunite for a final charity concert at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5. Named Back to the Beginning, this event will be the last performance for both Osbourne and the band. It will be Black Sabbath's first show in eight years and the first time in two decades that the original members have played together. The concert's proceeds will benefit Cure Parkinsons, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorns Children's Hospice. Tom Morello has been announced as the musical director for the show.

Osbourne stated, "I'm not going to get up there and do a half-hearted Ozzy looking for sympathy. What's the fucking point in that? I'm not going up there in a fucking wheelchair". Besides Osbourne's solo act, the supporting lineup includes Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons. There will also be "additional performances from" Morello, Billy Corgan, Slash, David Draiman, Sammy Hagar, Fred Durst, former Judas Priest guitarist K. K. Downing, and three former members of Osbourne's solo band (Rudy Sarzo, Jake E. Lee, and Mike Bordin).

This news hit hard with fans worldwide, as tickets sold out within minutes, leaving some devoted fans devastated and hoping for a live televised option. This has got to be one on the biggest concerts in history.

WE MADE THE BENCH!

Gateway steel fabrications are proud to be co-designers and fabricators of the black sabbath bench that sits proudly on the black sabbath bridge on broad street.

Black Sabbath bench at the 'Unveiling of the Black Sabbath bench' in Gas street, Birmingham.

As a metal fan myself it was an honour to have been a part of something that will be an iconic piece in metal culture and to the city of Birmingham. Already the bench has attracted hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world to have pictures.

The making of the 'Black Sabbath Bench'

We will be looking forward to the concert and hopefully see many of you there too.