Tony Iommi shares final thoughts on Black Sabbath farewell show: “I wouldn’t say it’s been easy, it’s been tough”
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has admitted that preparations for the farewell show have been “tough”.
The show is set to take place on July 5th. Iommi will join his old bandmates, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler, for one last concert. This will mark Ward’s first performance with the group in more than two decades.
The huge show will include Steven Tyler, Soundgarden, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Mastodon, Tool, as well as members of Limp Bizkit, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Megadeth, Van Halen, Ghost, and Faith No More.
Speaking to the BBC, Iommi revealed that preparations for the massive event have been tiring. “I wouldn’t say it’s been easy,” he admitted. It’s been tough because none of us are getting younger, and to stand there for a couple of hours is tiring.”
However, he revealed that there was no conflict in the preparations, as there are “no egos” in the group. Despite this, he added, “We’re all nervous really.” Osbourne, especially, has suffered many health complications since his last full gig in 2018. He will only be playing four songs at the event.
“People are coming from all over the world and I just can’t absorb it,” Iommi commented. Over 40,000 fans are expected to fill up Villa Park in Birmingham.
Speaking previously of his decision to finally say farewell to performing, Ozzy Osbourne noted: “It’s time for me to spend some time with my grandkids, I don’t want to die in a hotel room somewhere. I want to spend the rest of my life with my family.”
The farewell show is set to boost the local Birmingham economy by up to £20 million. In a statement, Sharon Osbourne said that the city “means so much to Ozzy”, and that “when it comes to heavy metal music, Black Sabbath forming and his love of Aston Villa – it all started here.”
Back to the Beginning takes place on July 5th.
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