Numerous renowned artists participating in the highly anticipated Black Sabbath all-day “Back to the Beginning” concert celebration on July 5 have expressed their thoughts about this remarkable event. Among them, K.K. Downing, the legendary guitarist from Judas Priest and leader of K.K.s’ Priest, who grew up near Black Sabbath’s roots in Birmingham, has shared his insights with Blabbermouth regarding the upcoming show.

As a notable guest musician, K.K. Downing will grace the stage during this monumental event. The lineup features full band performances from iconic groups such as Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon. Additionally, a stellar array of artists including Billy Corgan, David Draiman, Duff McKagan, Fred Durst, Lzzy Hale, Jake E. Lee, Jonathan Davis, Downing himself, Mike Bordin, Papa V Perpetua, Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Slash, Sleep Token’s II, Tom Morello, and Wolfgang Van Halen are all confirmed to perform.

Reflecting on the significance of the “Back to the Beginning” show, Downing stated to Blabbermouth, “This will be an incredibly emotional and historic event! The final farewell to the ultimate gods of metal. Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne will return to their home in Aston, Birmingham, the very place where it all began, and I am deeply honored to be part of this momentous occasion, paying my respects and tribute.”

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He reminisced, “I vividly remember growing up in the suburbs of Birmingham, England, over 50 years ago and witnessing the emergence of this band that would pioneer a genre of music that had never been heard before. It was more than just music ? it was the sound, the performance, and the atmosphere that created a phenomenon irresistible to fans, and I was one of them. I know firsthand the immense impact Black Sabbath has had on the world.”

Downing further emphasized, “Black Sabbath has carried the flag and the mantle of our beloved music for a lifetime, and for this, I know we will always be sincerely grateful. This event will undoubtedly be one of the most significant moments in rock and metal history, and I look forward to standing alongside the fans and fellow musicians to honor the legacy of Black Sabbath in the city where it all began.”

Get Ready for Black Sabbath’s Historic “Back to the Beginning” Concert

The star-studded concert will mark the final performance of Ozzy Osbourne, who is set to share the stage with the remaining original members of Black Sabbath while also delivering a solo set throughout the day. Alongside the impressive lineup mentioned earlier, more artists are expected to be announced leading up to this remarkable event.

Additionally, it’s important to note that the show will serve a charitable purpose. All profits generated from this concert will be donated to various charities, including Cure Parkinson?s, Birmingham Children?s Hospital, and Acorn Children?s Hospice, a hospice that provides support for children and families in the Aston area.

Tickets for this unforgettable event will be available for purchase starting at 10 AM GMT on Friday, February 14, exclusively on Live Nation’s U.K. website.