Fans have been rushing to secure pre-sale tickets for Black Sabbath’s one-off reunion show in Birmingham this summer. The legendary heavy metal band, formed in 1968, will see original members Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward come together for the first time in years for the Back To The Beginning concert. The event, set to take place at Villa Park in July, will also feature performances by iconic metal acts like Metallica, Slayer, and Alice In Chains. Ozzy Osbourne is expected to perform a solo set before joining Black Sabbath for what has been described as “his final bow.”
However, many fans faced challenges during the pre-sale, which opened on Tuesday morning. Some reported being stuck on the seating map page, where tickets are selected, while others celebrated their success on social media. Ticketmaster stated that there were no technical issues on its platform and advised fans to use only one tab, clear their cookies, and avoid VPN software to ensure a smooth experience.
Ian Gould, a 53-year-old from Liverpool, shared his frustration with the process. He told PA News Agency that he was unable to load the seating map on his computer and encountered similar issues on his phone. “It’s such a special occasion,” he said, comparing the event to the UK’s version of Woodstock. Gould, who is part of a WhatsApp group with over 40 people trying to buy tickets, expressed disappointment, saying, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime gig that has now been snatched from under the noses of many.”
He also criticized the ticketing system, claiming it often forces fans to turn to secondary sellers like Viagogo, where prices can skyrocket. “It irritates me that I can pay £1,000 or £2,000 for a ticket on Viagogo when I should be able to buy it at face value through Ticketmaster,” he said.
Emily Pywell, a 29-year-old from London, faced similar difficulties while trying to secure tickets for her boyfriend, Brandon Hall. Hall had originally planned to see Ozzy on his farewell tour in 2023, but the shows were canceled due to the singer’s health issues. Pywell described the Ticketmaster queue as “stressful,” adding that even after getting through, finding available seats was a challenge. “It’s a race to zoom in, find a seat, and click before someone else does,” she said.
Both Gould and Pywell plan to keep trying for tickets throughout the week. The event, scheduled for July 5, will donate all profits to charities, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. Tickets are priced from £197.50 and will go on general sale at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Ozzy Osbourne, who revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, has faced multiple health setbacks in recent years, including a fall in 2019 that worsened injuries from a 2003 quad bike accident. These issues have led to the cancellation or rescheduling of several tour dates, making this Birmingham show a highly anticipated event for fans.