Black Sabbath’s guitarist, Tony Iommi, has just confirmed Ozzy Osbourne’s participation in the highly anticipated “Back To The Beginning” concert, scheduled to commence on Saturday, July 5. The pioneering heavy metal icon recently spoke with BBC Midlands Today, discussing Black Sabbath’s star-studded farewell performance at Villa Park.
“We’re all quite nervous, truly,” Iommi admitted, adding, “People are traveling from all corners of the globe, and I’m still trying to grasp the magnitude of it.” He elaborated, “This event is completely unlike anything we’ve done before. You know, we’ve performed for 300,000 people, but this feels intensely nerve-racking. We’re playing in our hometown, with all these incredible bands joining us, and we haven’t played together in two decades,” the “War Pigs” legend further explained.
Despite smooth rehearsals, the 77-year-old musician confessed that performing now isn’t as effortless as it once was. “I wouldn’t say it’s been easy; it’s been demanding, as none of us are getting any younger, and standing for a couple of hours is quite tiring,” Iommi stated.
When questioned about the number of songs the legendary Prince of Darkness, Osbourne, would be performing, Iommi responded, “He might not be able to do the entire show, but he’s going to perform four songs. His singing is great. It’s just unfortunate to see the current circumstances.” He concluded, “But that’s life, I suppose. You just have to get on with it. Still, we’re all eagerly looking forward to it, and also feeling quite apprehensive, which is very unusual for us.”
For those unfamiliar, “Back To The Beginning” is planned as an all-day concert, boasting an unparalleled lineup in rock and metal music history. Hosted by Jason Momoa, the musicians joining Black Sabbath on stage will include Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), David Draiman (Disturbed), Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns N’ Roses), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Jake E. Lee, KK Downing, Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Sleep Token II (Sleep Token), Papa V Perpetua (Ghost), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), and Zakk Wylde.
