Black Sabbath announces farewell tour with Chicago show

Associated Press

After five decades of heavy metal, Black Sabbath will launch a farewell tour next year.

The band starring Ozzy Osbourne announced dates for its The End tour, which kicks off Jan. 20, 2016, in Omaha, Nebraska, and comes to Chicago’s United Center on Jan. 22.

Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler will visit 17 North American cities before heading to Australia and New Zealand for seven shows. More concerts will be announced next month.

Original drummer Bill Ward, who had a falling out with Osbourne, is not part of the tour.

The Grammy-winning group released its self-titled debut album in 1970. Black Sabbath said in a statement: “When this tour concludes, it will truly be THE END, THE END of one of the most legendary bands in Rock ‘n Roll history.”