K.K. Downing Makes Statement on Black Sabbath’s 2025 Reunion Show

Many of the artists that are taking part in Black Sabbath‘s all-day Back to the Beginning concert celebration on July 5 have weighed in on the momentous event, and now K.K. Downing has provided a statement of his own.

Downing, the longtime Judas Priest guitarist and K.K.s’ Priest leader who grew up near Black Sabbath’s home base of Birmingham, offered a comment to Blabbermouth on the upcoming show.

What K.K. Downing Said About Black Sabbath’s Reunion

K.K. Downing will be one of the guest musicians appearing at some point during the day. There are full band sets Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax and Mastodon, while Billy Corgan, David Draiman, Duff McKagan, Fred Durst, Lzzy Hale, Jake E. Lee, Jonathan Davis, Downing, Mike Bordin, Papa V Perpetua, Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Slash, Sleep Token’s II, Tom Morello and Wolfgang Van Halen are all on board to play as well.

In speaking about the Back to the Beginning show, Downing told Blabbermouth, “This will be an incredibly emotional and historic event! The final farewell to the ultimate gods of metal. Black Sabbath and Ozzy 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.”

READ MORE: K.K. Downing Names the Best + Worst Albums He’s Made

He continues, “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 that was irresistible to fans, and I was one of them. I know firsthand the immense impact Black Sabbath has had on the world.”

He comments, “Black Sabbath has carried the flag and the mantle of our beloved music for a lifetime, for this I know we will always be sincerely grateful. This event will undoubtedly be one of the most significant and important 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.”

About Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning Show

The star-studded concert will mark the final concert performance of Osbourne, who is set to perform with the other three original Black Sabbath members along with a solo set during the day. In addition to the star-studded lineup mentioned above, more names are expected to be added in the lead-up to the big show.

It should also be known that the show will serve as a benefit. All profits will go to the following charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice, a Children’s Hospice supported by Aston Villa.

Tickets go on sale at 10AM GMT on Friday, Feb. 14 at Live Nation’s U.K. website.