Does anything ever truly end? Many ask this philosophical question, and no one truly knows the answer. However, we do know that in the material world, there seem to be chapters in life leading toward a conclusion.
In this frame of mind, we sometimes feel that certain stories do not have the ending we envisioned. Take British Heavy Metal Pioneers Black Sabbath, for instance. Most never considered Black Sabbath without Ozzy Osbourne as the vocalist, but it happened in 1979 when the band parted ways with him. From there, no one could have ever imagined nine more vocalists singing for the band over nearly two decades (the most famous being Ronnie James Dio, Deep Purple’s Ian Gillian, and Tony Martin) until Osbourne officially really rejoined the band in 1997.
Exciting for long-time fans, Osbourne remained with the band through 2006, when he began working on his forthcoming 2007 album Black Rain. At that point, the band turned their attention to the beloved Dio years and toured with the late, great Ronnie James Dio under the name Heaven and Hell. For many, it was uncertain if Osbourne would return again, but he did just that in 2011.
This time, the band made sure not to miss the opportunity to capture lightning in a bottle and would release a studio album in 2013 called 13. Black Sabbath’s first album with Osbourne on vocals since 1978’s Never Say Die!… what came thereafter was more touring until it was announced in September of 2015 that the band would be embarking on their final tour. Indeed, calling it ‘The End,’ the tour began in January 2016 and ran for eighty-one shows across North America, Europe, Oceania, and South America through to February 2017.
A massive way to wind down their career, the final night on the farewell tour fitting found three original members (Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler) in their hometown of Birmingham, England. Joined by Adam Wakeman on keyboards and Tommy Clufetos on drums, Black Sabbath had come full circle decades later, playing to a massive crowd at Genting Arena on the evening of February 4, 2017, with plenty of emotions attached.
Was this truly the end? Well, over seven years since, it appears to be so because while there have been some hopes for a reunion, nothing has ever materialized. Going back to the question of ‘Does anything ever truly end?’ in the case of Black Sabbath, perhaps it does. However, we are fortunate enough to be able to relive the past in time thanks to audio and video recording technologies that often make us feel like we are living in those moments. Such is the case with Black Sabbath’s historic final performance, which was captured in the form of a live album called The End: Live in Birmingham.
Originally released for streaming, as a CD, and on vinyl later in 2017, the concert film also had a limited theatrical one-night showing before making its way to DVD and Blu-ray. Fans could go back to listen and watch this final performance any time they wished, but now, in 2024, there is a chance to own it in 4K Ultra HD.
Released on Mercury Studios on September 13, 2024, this is the first time The End: Live in Birmingham is offered in 4K Ultra HD video, and it is really quite spectacular. The image quality and sound (which are often overlooked with these transfers) are absolutely stunning. With that in mind, you get to enjoy the unique camera angles and experience the crowd interaction better than ever before.
Also, including The Angelic Sessions (which was also on the former DVD and Blu-ray), the care put into the video and audio is apparent. Packed in a thin cardboard sleeve, which may not be a turn-off to some collectors, the overall quality of the concert film itself is what sells this must-have new edition. So, while we may never see Black Sabbath perform ever again, at least we can relive their final performance in such a vivid manner. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Black Sabbath’s The End: Live in Birmingham in 4K Ultra HD 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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