Black Sabbath at Villa Park: All you need to know
Thousands of metal fans are due to descend on Birmingham in July, as Black Sabbath hosts its Back To The Beginning concert.Held at Villa Park, the gig features dozens of huge names from the industry performing throughout the day.Perhaps the most exciting part - Black Sabbath with reunite to perform, and Ozzy Osbourne will take to the stage for the final time for his own set.Here is everything you need to know if you are attending the concert:
How significant is the event?
The event is hugely significant - it's Ozzy's final performance, and 20 years since the original Black Sabbath have played together. Earlier this year, Sharon Osbourne told the BBC that Birmingham was the "home of metal" - after all, it was where the band was formed in 1968.Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward all grew up within a few streets of each other, a stone's throw from the Aston stadium.The band's relevance to the city's cultural heritage was recognised when they were awarded the Freedom of Birmingham.Aside from the deep connection the band has to the area, the line-up for the all day event is stuffed with icons of metal.Osbourne will play his own short set before joining the band, and other guests include Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira and Halestorm.It's also for a good cause - all profits are being split equally between Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorn Children's Hospice.Cure Parkinson's is a cause close to home for Osbourne as he has largely been forced to stop touring due to the disease and spinal injuries.
Is there extra transport?
West Midlands Railway said it would run an additional 12 services to/from Whitton station on the day of the event.There will be four additional services in the morning, and eight in the evening after the concert has finished.The company's normal timetable will be in place for Aston station.Aston Villa will provide a regular shuttle bus service before and after the event. Before the concert, shuttle services will run from Dudley Street, departing in 10 minute intervals.Fans will be dropped off at Aston Hall, over the road from Villa Park.After the gig, shuttles will run from Aston Hall to Dudley Street every 10 minutes, with the final bus leaving at midnight.Tickets can be purchased on its dedicated parking website, and can be bought on the day at either end of the service.
How do you get there?
Fan travelling by train can use either Aston or Witton stations, which are walking distance from the venues.West Midlands Railway said Witton is slightly closer to Villa Park, so is more suitable for fans with accessibility requirements, or who may struggle walking.Both stations have connections to Birmingham New Street.A taxi rank will be operating at Aston Parish Church, adjacent to the stadium.Bus services that serve Villa Park are the 7, 11A and 11C. Fans must get off at Witton Square.As well as this, services 65 and 67 operate close to the stadium where passengers get off at Aston Railway Station.Metro services are also available - Aston Villa recommends that fans use it to get to Grand Central, and then walk to the shuttle bus service from Dudley Street, or get a rail connection onwards.Aston Villa's website has specific advice for those driving, including where you should exit off nearby motorways.
Where can I park?
Fans are not able to park at the stadium, however there are parking sites within a 45-minute walking distance of the venue.Once they are filled, the next alternative is to park in the city centre, and use public transport to get to the stadium. Official car parks are not controlled by Aston Villa, but third parties. More information about reputable parking sites are on the club's website, as well as the city council website for car parks in the centre.
Who is supporting and what is the set list?
An official set list has not been announced for any of the musicians, so that part is still a mystery.It is an all day event, so there are dozens of musicians taking to the stage.They include:Metallica SlayerPanteraGojiraHalestormTool Lamb Of GodAnthrax and MastodonBilly Corgan David Draiman Duff McKagan and SlashMore names can be found on the event webpage.
Is the concert sold out?
Yes, the concert is sold out.However, Black Sabbath announced that the event can be live streamed, and said it would be available to watch on-demand for 48 hours after the show.Fans need to pay to view it, and only those who have paid can watch it on-demand afterwards. The steam begins at 15:00 BST on 5 July.
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