For the first time in two decades, thrash metal pioneers ANTHRAX will share the stage with heavy metal legends BLACK SABBATH at the highly anticipated “Back To The Beginning” concert. Scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, this event marks a historic moment for fans, featuring the original BLACK SABBATH lineup’s final performance and Ozzy Osbourne’s last appearance as a solo artist.
A Nostalgic Reunion
ANTHRAX last toured with BLACK SABBATH during the 1986 “Seventh Star” tour, a milestone that marked ANTHRAX’s first arena tour. Their most recent shared billing was at the 2005 Download Festival in the UK. The upcoming concert rekindles this legacy, with ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante pulling double duty, performing with both ANTHRAX and PANTERA, alongside covering BLACK SABBATH classics.
In a June 18, 2025, interview on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk,” Benante shared his excitement: “We’re doing a few songs each [from ANTHRAX and PANTERA] and [then some SABBATH] songs.” However, the setlist remains fluid. “Today we were told that the song we were going to do, we’re not doing it anymore, so we have to come up with another song,” he admitted, embracing the spontaneity. For Benante, the event is about paying homage to BLACK SABBATH’s iconic members—Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward. “I know the whole SABBATH catalog, so I’m good,” he said, expressing his deep admiration for the band that shaped his musical journey.
A Personal Connection
ANTHRAX’s love for BLACK SABBATH runs deep. Benante recalled his childhood fandom, noting, “I’m looking forward to seeing those four on stage again, because that’s a part of my youth.” He shared a humorous anecdote about his Catholic upbringing, where his mother disapproved of a BLACK SABBATH t-shirt featuring the “666” logo, forcing him to return it. Despite this, his passion for the band endured.
Guitarist Scott Ian discovered BLACK SABBATH at age eight through his uncle’s vinyl collection. “The album cover was kind of scary,” he recalled, describing the chilling impact of the band’s self-titled debut. “When that song ‘Black Sabbath’ kicks in, there’s just nothing like it.” Ian credits Tony Iommi as a key influence, teaching him guitar riffs like “Iron Man” and “Paranoid.”
Vocalist Joey Belladonna, who covered SABBATH and Ozzy songs throughout his career, called the 1986 tour “electric” and considers the invitation to “Back To The Beginning” a “big honor.” Bassist Frank Bello, a lifelong Geezer Butler fan, praised Butler’s melodic bass lines, saying, “He makes you want to play bass.” Guitarist Jon Donais, who grew up on Ozzy’s MTV presence, cited Sabotage as his favorite SABBATH album, recalling late-night listening sessions in college.
A Star-Studded Charity Event
The “Back To The Beginning” concert, produced by Live Nation and hosted by actor Jason Momoa, features a supergroup of musicians, with RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’s Tom Morello serving as musical director. Ian learned of the event through Morello, enthusiastically advocating for ANTHRAX’s inclusion. “I saw other bands but no ANTHRAX, so I’m like, ‘How about getting ANTHRAX on this?'” he told Guitar World. Within minutes, Morello confirmed their spot.
The event will support Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. Fans worldwide can experience the concert via a livestream at www.backtothebeginning.com, broadcast live from 3:00 p.m. on July 5, with 48-hour replay access. Mercury Studios, in partnership with Kiswe, will capture this historic moment.
A Final Bow
With Ozzy Osbourne’s last performance and BLACK SABBATH’s original lineup reuniting for the first time since 2005, “Back To The Beginning” promises an unforgettable celebration of heavy metal’s roots. For ANTHRAX, it’s a chance to honor their influences and share the stage with their heroes. As Benante put it, “It’s just gonna be a beautiful thing to witness.”
