Ozzy Osbourne at the last concert, 4 February 2017, BirminghamTommy Clufetos at the last concert, 4 February 2017, Birmingham
Initial dates were announced in a video on the band's YouTube channel on 3 September 2015, with more announced in October 2015.[4][5] As with the previous tour, Tommy Clufetos filled in for original drummer Bill Ward, due to the latter's departure and animosity towards singer Ozzy Osbourne.[6][additional citation(s) needed]
An eight-track EP, entitled The End, released to coincide with this tour, was available only at shows.
Rival Sons were the sole support act for all of Black Sabbath's headlining shows.[7][8]Five Finger Death Punch planned to join the Oceanic leg of the tour, but backed out following the hospitalization of frontman Ivan Moody.[9]
Osbourne said of the farewell tour: "This is it. It's definitely run its course."[10]
The tour concluded in February 2017 with two gigs in the band's native Birmingham. The last was streamed live on the band's Facebook page.[10] "The feeling built as we crept towards the final gig at the Genting Arena," recalled guitarist Tony Iommi, "but it didn't really sink in till the day of the show. Looking out at the audience during the last few songs, people were crying. Those people idolise you and love what you do. In a way, it felt like we were letting them down. It was a shame."[11]
Prior to the gig, Osbourne discussed his emotions, suggesting he would cry after the farewell.[12] He was adamant this was the end,[13] but intended to carry on with solo work,[12] having returned following a 1992 'final' solo tour.[12] Iommi confirmed no more world tours, but remained open to a new album or one-off show.[13] The guitarist had been diagnosed with lymphoma in 2012, and the toll on his health was the main reason to end touring.[14]
Osbourne intended to say something to the crowd but did not prepare a speech.[12] He closed the show with a simple, "Thank you, goodnight, thank you so much."[10][15]