The end of an era is officially upon us. Legendary heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath have just announced their 2026 farewell tour, titled “One Last Ride.” This final global trek will mark the definitive conclusion of one of the most influential careers in rock history. After decades of defining and redefining the genre, the band is giving fans one last chance to witness their iconic sound live on stage.
Formed in Birmingham, England in 1968, Black Sabbath not only revolutionized music with their dark, heavy riffs and apocalyptic lyrics—they birthed a genre. With the unmistakable voice of Ozzy Osbourne, the thunderous bass of Geezer Butler, the monolithic guitar of Tony Iommi, and the powerhouse drumming of Bill Ward, they became the godfathers of heavy metal. “One Last Ride” is more than a tour; it’s a historic farewell to the fans who fueled their fire for over five decades.
The announcement came via a surprise press conference streamed from Birmingham, the band’s birthplace, where all surviving members appeared together for the first time since their last performance in 2025. With emotion in his voice, Ozzy declared, “This is it. No more comebacks, no more reunions. We’re doing this for the fans—and then we’re gone.”
The tour kicks off on March 7, 2026, in Los Angeles, and will span across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia, concluding with a symbolic final concert in Birmingham on September 12, 2026. Major cities on the itinerary include New York, Toronto, São Paulo, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris, Sydney, and London, with tickets expected to sell out in record time.
What makes “One Last Ride” particularly special is that it will feature the original lineup performing together, something fans thought would never happen again after decades of internal tensions, health struggles, and creative differences. But for this farewell, the band insists on doing it the way they started—together, loud, and unapologetic.
While Ozzy has battled health issues in recent years, he confirmed that he’s been undergoing intensive treatment and vocal training specifically for this tour. “I may be bionic at this point,” he joked, “but I’ve still got one last scream left in me.” Tony Iommi, who has also dealt with health concerns, assured fans he’s “ready to bring the thunder one more time.”
In addition to a career-spanning setlist, the shows will include archival video footage, stage pyrotechnics, and tribute moments for late friends and rock legends. Longtime collaborators and surprise guests are rumored to appear throughout the tour, though details are being kept tightly under wraps.
Fans can also expect a deluxe “Farewell Tour” box set, including live recordings, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and exclusive merchandise, to be released in conjunction with the tour’s start. Pre-orders are already live, and collectors are rushing to get their hands on these historic items.
The cultural impact of Black Sabbath cannot be overstated. From Metallica and Slayer to Nirvana and Slipknot, generations of artists cite the band as a foundational influence. Their farewell marks not just the end of a band, but the closing chapter of a movement that shook the foundations of modern music.
Tickets for the 2026 farewell tour will be available starting July 15th, with fan pre-sales opening July 12th via the band’s official website. Given the significance of this tour, fans are urged to act quickly. VIP packages, including backstage access and meet-and-greets, are expected to be highly limited.
As the countdown to “One Last Ride” begins, one thing is certain: the sound of Black Sabbath will echo long after the final chord is struck. For fans across the globe, this farewell tour is more than a concert—it’s a chance to say goodbye to the music that defined generations.
So raise your horns one last time—Black Sabbath is going out the only way they know how: loud, legendary, and larger than life.
