Sharon Osbourne and Tony Iommi spoke to Planet Rock, in a suite overlooking the pitch at Villa Park to discuss the incredible Back To The Beginning show being staged there on July 5th. As well as what it means to be planning both Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne‘s final gig, the pair also discussed set lists, Bill Ward’s return to the band, the significance of Sabbath finishing their career in Aston, Geezer Butler‘s excitement at finally playing Villa Park, how Tom Morello helped book the bands, and much more, watch the interview below.
For more details about, Back To The Beginning, please click here.
15 Responses
For me , ozzy at his age with advanced Parkinsons..why ? This is such an awful idea on so many levels each level has its own level of awful, all starting with Sharon who should be looking out for her husband and protecting him and his well earned legacy , not sending out a mid 70s disabled man who can barely walk and lost his singing voice 7 years ago- again… why?
I guess there are probably several reasons:
I surmise, because Black Sabbath took a lot of heat, for the absence of Ward (“unsignable contract”), on their The End tour (which was supposed to be their final tour), there is unfinished business there, that needs to be concluded, in the proper way.
Additionally, Ozzy purportedly, wants to say “goodbye” to his fans.
Perhaps, had Ward been included, on The End tour, we may not be seeing this show? Even if Ward‘s health issues, kept him from playing an entire set, they could have had a second drummer play alongside him, or split the set, with another drummer. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, so, a substitute drummer could have done the first half, allowing Ward to finish, and drum for the encores. Where there is a will, there is a way.
But, I concur, I cannot imagine how Ozzy will be manage to sing for two sets, let alone one? Will he be sitting down the entire time? I guess it all remains to be seen.
Dana, I thought this was for charity. Is Ozzy (ahem, Sharon) taking a cut off the top?
I’m sure they will have Ozzy sitting in some kind of throne. I just hope they go all out for one last hurrah with the stage, etc.
Sorry, RPS, you are one hundred percent correct, it slipped my mind that it was for charity. Let’s hope the the lion share gets where it needs to go.
I will take that part out of my comment. Duh…LOL!
I just read an update this morning, ozzy can no longer walk … on top of that ozzys voice is gone.. hes going to be sitting in a chair lipsyncing… or someone will be singing along with him really… this is not rock .. this seems more like elder abuse ,I feel like this is no way ozzy should finish …it is stunning to me they would even consider this …
I……..will allow it.
Nobody over the age of 29 should be allowed to attend.
I agree with you Robert. Also what does the fan want at this point? Taking away from Sharon narcissist pig ways. Me, I want deluxe versions of every Sabbath release. At least 5 discs with Steve Wilson on board!! At a non greedy price. I have Sabotage deluxe and the concert discs really stands out as one of the greatest live recordings.Their story is old news how they treated Bill Ward.