(Credits: Sony Music UK)
Black Sabbath‘s Back to the Beginning farewell concert on July 5th at Villa Park is predicted to boost the local Birmingham economy by up to £20 million.
According to West Midlands Growth Company, the weekend, which will also see Jeff Lynne play at the Utilita for ELO’s The Over And Out Tour, will attract up to 300,000 fans to the West Midlands, giving the county’s hospitality businesses and venues a significant boost.
The influx of visitors means that cafés, pubs, restaurants, and other hospitality venues in Birmingham and other areas in the West Midlands will benefit significantly, with hotels in Birmingham at 89 per cent capacity in anticipation of Osbourne’s arrival.
In a statement, Sharon Osbourne said that the city “means so much to Ozzy”, and that “when it comes to heavy metal music, Black Sabbath forming and his love of Aston Villa – it all started here.” Other events taking place at the same time include a food festival and a cricket match, marking one of its busiest weekends in recent times.
Recently, the four members of Black Sabbath were given the freedom of the city and presented with medals and scrolls by the Lord Mayor to recognise and celebrate their significance in Birmingham and globally. “Birmingham has always been behind us,” Geezer Butler said, while Osbourne recalled how the band were first put together, saying, “I’m a Brummie and I will always be a Brummie.”
Osbourne is set to perform a short solo set alongside the Black Sabbath performance, with additional names including the likes of Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Mastodon, Tool as well as members of Limp Bizkit, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Megadeth, Ghost, and Faith No More.
In a recent interview, the singer explained why he’s ready to say goodbye: “Even if it was a regular gig, I would be a nervous wreck. I was born nervous. Right now, I’m feeling grateful and proud and I’m sure I’ll be feeling dozens more emotions on the day of the show.”
He added: “After this show, I’m going home, closing the door and will look back upon the great career I’ve had. But I’m done, done, done! You gotta know when to call it quits.”
Back to the Beginning takes place on July 5th.
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