Tool Joins Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” Farewell Show
Tool is among the notable bands set to perform at Black Sabbath’s highly anticipated “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert next month. Initially, however, the band was hesitant to participate in the event.
Initial Reluctance to Participate
During a conversation with Guitar World, guitarist Adam Jones shared insights into his band’s initial reaction when Tom Morello, the event’s musical director, first reached out to them. The discussion among the band members revealed a mixed sentiment about participating.
“The four of us were on the phone, or texting – I can’t remember – and someone went, ‘I don’t think I can do it.’ Someone else went, ‘Okay, yeah, I think I’m gonna do this other thing,’… I think I even went, ‘Yeah, let’s not do it.’ But it was really an honor that they asked us,” Jones recounted.
Change of Heart
A few months later, Morello approached Jones with a different proposition: to join him and Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins for a performance at the show. Upon agreeing to this collaboration, Jones discovered that his bandmates Danny Carey and Maynard James Keenan had also committed to performing with other musicians.
“I went, ‘I didn’t know that.’ It hit me, and I said, ‘If the three of us are there – and I know Justin [Chancellor] will want to do it.’ I went back to our people and went, ‘Why don’t we just do it? We’re all going to be there.’ That’s how it happened – and why it was announced later,” Jones explained.
Star-Studded Lineup
Joining Tool, Black Sabbath, and Ozzy Osbourne will be an impressive array of rock and metal icons for the “Back to the Beginning” concert. The lineup includes Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Anthrax, and Rival Sons, all set to take the stage at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, on July 5.
Maynard James Keenan’s Tribute to Black Sabbath
In a testament to Black Sabbath’s influence, Maynard James Keenan expressed, “The reason I’m on a stage at all is because of Black Sabbath’s first album.” This highlights the profound impact Sabbath has had on generations of musicians.
Conclusion
As the date approaches for Black Sabbath’s farewell concert, the excitement builds not only for the legendary band but also for the diverse lineup of artists who will honor their legacy. Tool’s eventual participation, born from a change of heart, underscores the respect and admiration that they, along with many others, hold for Black Sabbath’s monumental contribution to music.
FAQs
When is the “Back to the Beginning” concert taking place?
The concert is scheduled for July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
Who are the other bands performing alongside Tool and Black Sabbath?
Other bands in the lineup include Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Anthrax, and Rival Sons.
What prompted Tool to change their minds about participating?
After Tom Morello proposed a collaboration with Billy Corgan, Adam Jones learned that his bandmates were also interested in performing, leading to their decision to join the event.
