Mastodon Honors Ozzy Osbourne with a Tribute Performance
Paying Respects to the Godfather of Heavy Metal
Just one day after the world mourned the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, the progressive sludge metal band Mastodon delivered a heartfelt tribute that resonated deeply within the metal community. Performing at the Release Athens festival in Piraeus, Greece, Mastodon honored the legacy of Black Sabbath by performing their 1972 classic “Supernaut,” dedicating the powerful rendition to the late icon.
A Special Connection to Black Sabbath
This cover of “Supernaut” was not an impromptu decision for Mastodon; it first made its appearance earlier this month during the Back To The Beginning concert on July 5 in Birmingham, UK. This event was initially intended as a celebration of Black Sabbath‘s monumental impact on heavy music, featuring a lineup of select artists paying homage to the legendary band. In light of Ozzy‘s death on July 22, the performance carried even more emotional weight.
Heartfelt Words from Troy Sanders
Before diving into the tribute performance, Mastodon’s bassist and vocalist Troy Sanders took a moment to address the audience, sharing sentiments that echoed the feelings of many fans. “We’d like to pay our respects to Black Sabbath. We’ll play a song for Mr. Ozzy Osbourne,” he said, emphasizing the profound influence the legendary band had on their music.
“Without them there is no Mastodon. Without Black Sabbath, without Ozzy, there is a lot of none of this. So let’s turn sadness into a celebration for about five minutes, Mastodon in Athens, Greece. One song from Black Sabbath, ok? This is a number they called ‘Supernaut.’”
Brann Dailor’s Tribute on Social Media
In addition to their live performance, Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor paid tribute to Ozzy via Instagram, expressing his gratitude for the music and inspiration Ozzy provided during his life. “I love you Ozzy Osbourne thank you so much for all the music, all the mayhem, all of the endless inspiration,” Dailor wrote. He reflected on how he became captivated by Ozzy at a young age, recalling the joy of seeing him perform and the profound impact of songs like “Diary of a Madman.”
“I used to go to sleep to the tribute album every night, Ozzy was all I ever wanted to listen to and is pretty much still true to this day,” he shared, emphasizing the lasting influence of Ozzy’s music on his life.
Gratitude and Reflection
“I’m so incredibly grateful that we were there for Ozzy‘s final bow and that we were asked to perform,” Dailor continued. “The world won’t be the same, but your music will live on forever and continue to inspire musicians of every genre to just be themselves!” He concluded with a heartfelt message of support for Sharon Osbourne and the Osbourne family during this difficult time.
Conclusion
The tribute performance by Mastodon serves as a poignant reminder of the indelible mark Ozzy Osbourne left on the world of music. As the heavy metal community comes together to honor his legacy, the spirit of his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of musicians. The performances, heartfelt messages, and shared memories create a powerful testament to the influence of a true icon.
FAQs
1. Why did Mastodon perform “Supernaut”?
Mastodon performed “Supernaut” as a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne following his passing, honoring both his legacy and the impact of Black Sabbath on their music.
2. When did Mastodon first cover “Supernaut”?
The cover of “Supernaut” first appeared during the Back To The Beginning concert on July 5 in Birmingham, UK, before being featured again at the Release Athens festival.
3. What did Troy Sanders say before the performance?
Troy Sanders expressed the band’s gratitude and respect for Black Sabbath and Ozzy, emphasizing their influence on Mastodon and inviting the audience to celebrate through music.
4. How did Brann Dailor pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne?
Brann Dailor paid tribute to Ozzy on Instagram, sharing his love for Ozzy’s music and the inspiration he provided throughout Dailor’s life and career.
