I did, and if you would like to share your thoughts, opinions. observations, etc. about the 8 hour concert, please do in the comments section, below.
I did, and if you would like to share your thoughts, opinions. observations, etc. about the 8 hour concert, please do in the comments section, below.
10 Responses
It was one of the greatest days in the history of rock and metal. So many bands paying tribute to the almighty Black Sabbath. No gimmicks, no fancy outfits, just basic, raw metal and rock. I sat on my couch and watched the entire 10+ hours and didn’t miss a note. Ozzy never got to say goodbye before and he went out on his terms. He sounded very good for his age and condition. All bands kicked ass and I’m so glad it happened.
After hearing so many different vocalists singing Sabbath and Ozzy songs, it really showed just how great of a singer Ozzy has been. Nobody could match his greatness on those tunes. He is one of the all time greats for sure, if not the greatest.
More observations:
– Axl sounded like someone that can’t sing trying to hit high notes in the shower. I hate to be disrespectful. When he sang in a lower register, however, he sounded good. The band played well.
– Three of the Big Four were there? Where was Megadeth? Were they the band Sharon booted?
– I like Halestorm but not sure why they were asked to perform at this event.
– Jake E. Lee played Shot In The Dark. He made a big flubb at the beginning of the first verse but recovered nicely and played well. Wish he could’ve played Bark At The Moon but I was advised he said beforehand he can no longer play it due to medical conditions or something.
– Steven Tyler sang well and reminded me of the classic Steven with his vocals and dancing around.
– Rival Sons were great but similar to Halestorm, not sure how they tie into Sabbath.
– Reading a lot of criticism of Bill Ward online. For his age and condition, I thought he played well. And I thought it was so metal when he took his shirt off.
– I haven’t seen a crowd so into a concert as this one. It was non-stop all day mosh pits and crowd participation. You could feel it through the television. I am declaring it the greatest day in the history of metal.
– Side note: Not surprised there were no shout outs from anyone from KISS. And I’m very happy they weren’t involved in any way, shape or form! I predict Paul and Gene will try to do something similar with Ace & Peter. The difference will be astronomical ticket prices and not for charity. But here’s the thing, Kiss is nowhere near the level of Sabbath. Never was and never will be. It was evidently clear on Saturday and now for eternity that Ozzy is the greatest solo artist that is, that ever was a that will ever be. And Black Sabbath is the greatest metal band that is, ever was and that will ever be! God bless Ozzy, God bless Black Sabbath, God bless heavy metal and God bless all of us fans! Thank you!
RPS,
Great comment, here is a few of my own.
We watched the replay, so that we could fast forward, through all of bands, and the commentary by fans, that we were not interested in. So, the show, ended up being, only three hours for us-LOL!
In my humble opinion, outside of the guest of honor (Ozzy), the unsung hero of night, was Nuno Bettencourt. He played every song very well, and honored the legacy of my favorite guitarist, Randy Rhoads, which is no easy feat, just ask, brother Zakk.
Other highlights (outside of Ozzy and Sabbath), while I know you did not care for either, Jay Buchanan of Rival Sons (man does he have pipes) and Lzzy Hale (ditto). I think they both did well, singing their respective Sabbath and Ozzy covers. Also, I was happy to see Jake E. Lee attending, especially since, he was seriously injured, and could have died, in that shooting, outside of his home, in Las Vegas. It was funny that he missed getting onstage in time, with Bettencourt teasing, “Now, that is a rock star entrance.”
Lowlights: I will refrain from naming names. But, suffice it to write, and I never thought that I ever would, that quite a few of these bands, should really consider retiring. Based on some of the performances, it is quite obvious, that they continue to tour, as a money grab, and I will leave it, at that.
As for Ozzy, God bless him. It was so difficult, to keep from tearing up, when I heard his voice cracking (as he tried not to cry) while recounting, that he has been immobile, for the last six years. His struggle, reminds me of my mother’s, since her stroke. While she is not a rock star, like Ozzy, she was a dynamo. The struggle for those, who were always active, and viable, is even worse, than for someone, who is more of a homebody.
Fruthermore, I think Ozzy sounded great, considering the circumstances. I would also add, that I thought he sounded better, than many of his younger, healthier peers, I heard “singing” that evening.
As for Sabbath, regarding your comments, about what others have posted online, I don’t know why Bill Ward, continues to be the scapegoat of constant criticism, it’s maddening. Ward, in his prime, is a highly underappreciated drummer. I think he sounded fine, and I was elated to see him there, as I believe, he really got screwed, on Sabbath‘s The End tour.
Despite playing some of the tunes, in a far slower tempo, I was overjoyed, that this iconic band, and frontman, were able to properly say their “goodbyes.” Thank God, I saw them on their reunion tour in ’99, but all these decades later, this was equally satisfying, and maybe even more so.
I thought it was great! Ozzy sounded alot better than I thought he would, and his “stage presence”, while seated, was good. I loved his chair, so “Ozzy”! I was a little disappointed in Sabbath’s setlist, but not surprised. All bands sounded great….even Meh-tallica! :o) A great “ending” to celebrate a 50+ year career. Selfishly, I hope the show tours….I’d love to attend and celebrate Sabbath in person.
You mean that bat throne, that completely blocked Bill Ward? LOL! My fiancee, wondered if that was Sharon‘s idea-LOL!
On a serious note, no pun intended, I agree about Ozzy, I think we were all worried, that he would not be strong enough, to carry on, but he did, and he sounded great.
Yes I watched it all yesterday and thought it was an amazing event. I wish I could have gone to it. Most of the bands were really good. Even the ones I don’t like. Was disappointed with a few, Sammy Hagar and Guns n Roses were both pretty bad to me, and was expecting better. It was an emotional roller coaster seeing Ozzy like that. Happy he got to perform one final time, and you could really see he was touched by it all. Overall the show was much better than I was expecting. Sad we won’t see Ozzy much, if at all. Hoping he has an album or two left in him. Love him or hate him, there is no denying he is one of the most legendary performers of our times. So glad I got to see him as many times as I have. And thankful for all the great music he’s made for us. Long live Ozzy Osbourne!
Very well written, and I completely, agree.
My first encounter with Sabbath was my brother trying to scare me with the end of Children of the Grave as a young child. Haha! I connected more with that first album of Black Sabbath more than any of their releases. Kind of puts you in a trance! It was nice to see Jake e Lee!! Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is my second connection with the band. So great!!! Now I am jamming Ozzy undercover. My first Ozzy show was the Ultimate Sin tour! Moving forward let’s hope for a double cd live concert with Jake Lee release!!!!!!! Other doom metal bands that come close to Sabbath that are still kicking are Candlemass and Lucifer.
The ending of, Children of The Grave is quite creepy.
I always wondered, if that is where the horror film Halloween (is that the one with the choo, choo ha, ha sound) got that idea from? I don’t watch horror movies (but love true crime (go figure)), so I think it maybe from that one?
However, I think, there is no creepier song, than Black Sabbath. To this day, it gives me the chills, and I prefer not to listen to it.
I have only seen small parts of the show….I still can’t believe Eddie wasn’t there….I know Sharon would not let him backstage but couldn’t he have been in the crowd with Florentine and Jamieson?????
I have no clue outside of Norton and Florentine going, and I only know that, because I was sent a clip of them, visiting the house, that was on the first Sabbath album cover.