Back to the Beginning Concert: A Fond Farewell to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath

This month’s Back to the Beginning concert served as a heartfelt goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s live run, with many significant acts also performing and paying their respects. However, one notable omission from the lineup was legendary thrashers Megadeth. Longtime bassist James LoMenzo recently revealed the reason behind their absence from Ozzy and Black Sabbath’s farewell show.

What LoMenzo Said

With major rock and metal acts such as Mastodon, Metallica, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Gojira, and Alice in Chains participating in the concert, one might expect Megadeth to be included as well. However, LoMenzo stated that their absence was simply due to not being invited.

On July 13, industry veteran Charrie Foglio shared an explanation in the Back to the Beginning – Black Sabbath’s Final Concert Facebook group. She referenced her upcoming interview with LoMenzo for Japan’s Burrn! magazine, expressing her disappointment at not seeing Megadeth there: “Hi brother, I sure missed seeing you here in Birmingham this week. It was noticeable that the Big Four was short one.”

LoMenzo acknowledged this, noting, “Charrie, I’m going to let the cat out of the bag. The truth of the matter is, I don’t believe that anybody asked us, which was fine.” He elaborated, explaining that while they were in Europe, frontman David Mustaine reached out to others, offering to attend if they were wanted, but ultimately, no invitation materialized.

He added, “Not everybody gets invited to every party. […] It was this exciting situation where we’re celebrating Ozzy in his Retirement… Is that the right word? Retirement? Isn’t that hard to believe? Anyway, the show was amazing! I would have loved to have been there.”

LoMenzo’s Insights on Black Sabbath

LoMenzo clarified that he was aware of the show months in advance and had even been collaborating with Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward. He shared, “[Bill’s] been doing his record, and every now and then I’ll get this wonderful phone call from his assistant Walter saying that, ‘Bill would love to have you come down and do a song with him.’” He expressed excitement over the possibility of the final show, considering its significance to the members of Black Sabbath.

In closing, he noted, “I don’t see it as controversy or anything. I do know that conspicuously we were missing, but nobody was invited.” Fellow band member David Ellefson later reflected fondly on the concert experience as well.

Other Noticeable Absences at Back to the Beginning

Megadeth wasn’t the only major act missing from Back to the Beginning; Soundgarden and Mötley Crüe also had significant absences. Soundgarden, despite Sharon Osbourne’s prior comments about their appearance, cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for their absence. They released a heartfelt statement on Instagram, thanking Black Sabbath for their tremendous influence and expressing their disappointment at not being able to participate.

Mötley Crüe’s absence was addressed by bassist Nikki Sixx, who mentioned ongoing health issues within the band, which had previously led to the postponement of their Las Vegas residency. Despite their absence, Sixx shared kind words for Ozzy, recalling how the Osbournes had played a crucial role in their early career.

Current Activities of Megadeth, Ozzy, and Black Sabbath

Meanwhile, Megadeth is in the midst of an international tour, with upcoming dates scheduled across Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Scotland, and more through September and October of this year. Fans can check for tour dates and tickets on their official website.

Ozzy Osbourne recently announced his second memoir, titled Last Rites, set to release on October 7. This follow-up to his 2009 memoir will delve into various health issues he has faced, the preparations for Back to the Beginning, and insights into his marriage to Sharon Osbourne. Preorders are available now.

In addition to the successful farewell concert, Ozzy has another reason to celebrate: the engagement of his daughter Kelly to Slipknot’s Sid Wilson, who proposed backstage at the event. Ozzy humorously interrupted the proposal, adding a light-hearted moment to the occasion.

For those who missed seeing Back to the Beginning in person, plans are underway to release a feature-length concert film titled Back To The Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow in 2026, which will include exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews from this iconic live performance.

Conclusion

The Back to the Beginning concert marked a significant moment in rock history, celebrating the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. While the absence of Megadeth was felt, the event showcased the strong bonds within the metal community. As fans reflect on this monumental farewell, it serves as a reminder of the enduring impact that these legendary artists have had on music.

FAQs

Why didn’t Megadeth perform at Back to the Beginning?

According to bassist James LoMenzo, Megadeth was not invited to the concert, despite their proximity to the event in Europe.

What other bands were absent from the concert?

Soundgarden and Mötley Crüe also missed the Back to the Beginning concert due to scheduling conflicts and health issues, respectively.

What is Ozzy Osbourne’s upcoming project?

Ozzy is set to release his second memoir, Last Rites, on October 7, which will explore his health struggles and personal life.

When will the concert film be released?

A feature-length concert film of Back to the Beginning is planned for release in 2026.