The 3/4 reunited Black Sabbath performed the first of three planned concerts for 2012 on the weekend with a historic homecoming show in Birmingham, England.
The show, at the 3,800 O2 Academy, served as a warm-up for the band's headlining set at the Download festival at Donington on Sunday June 10, and their headlining set at the Lollapalooza festival in the USA on Friday, August 3.
With original drummer Bill Ward absent due to a contract dispute, Ozzy Osbourne's solo band drummer Tommy Clufetos sat in.
Following the performance, bass player Geezer Butler wrote on Facebook, "Thank you, thank you, thank you Birmingham. Best fans ever — you brought out the best in us. It was a privilege playing for you tonight. Tony was a hero — you were the best medicine he has had. Proud to be a Brummie."
