Wolfgang Van Halen Bows Out of Ozzy Osbourne’s Back to the Beginning Concert

Wolfgang Van Halen, the talented frontman of Mammoth, was initially slated to perform at the highly anticipated Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath reunion concert, known as Back to the Beginning. However, in a recent interview with Meltdown on 101 WRIF in Detroit, Wolfgang revealed that he has to withdraw from the event due to scheduling conflicts.

Scheduling Conflicts: The Reason for Withdrawal

In his conversation with Meltdown, Wolfgang explained, “I, unfortunately, had to back out because the Creed tour [with Mammoth as support] starts the day after, and I [wouldn’t] be able to pull it off — unfortunately. I’m very excited to watch it, but I unfortunately had to back out.” This commitment to his own tour has taken precedence, but the Mammoth leader expressed his disappointment at missing such a significant event.

A Cherished Connection with Ozzy Osbourne

Despite not being able to perform at the concert, Wolfgang has had the honor of participating in other significant events related to Ozzy Osbourne. Earlier this year, he contributed to Ozzy’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Reflecting on this experience, he stated, “My family lineage is intertwined and has gone way back with the likes of Ozzy. My dad was very, very close with Tony [Iommi], probably the closest of any other guitar players out there. It was a crazy honor to be there for the Hall of Fame induction as well as this. It’s a crazy thing.”

Wolfgang also shared his admiration for the legends of heavy metal, noting, “There are some legends out there where it’s just like, they can’t be replicated and they’re just so original — they started a movement.” He reminisced about his father’s favorite guitar riff, which was Black Sabbath’s “Into the Void.”

Favorite Ozzy Guitarists: A Tough Choice

During his chat with Meltdown, Wolfgang was asked to name his favorite guitarist from Ozzy’s lineup. He struggled to pick just one, acknowledging the immense talent that has graced Ozzy’s band. “I’m really bad at picking, ’cause that almost implies you don’t like another one in comparison. And I feel like Randy [Rhoads] was amazing, but you can’t not give cred to Tony [Iommi] being the legend and groundbreaking genre creator he was — and is. [Laughs] So I love ’em all. That’s not the answer you wanna hear.”

The Back to the Beginning Concert: An Event Not to Miss

While Wolfgang will not be part of the Back to the Beginning concert, the lineup promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Scheduled for July 5, 2025, at Birmingham, England’s Villa Park, the concert will feature the original members of Black Sabbath — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — reuniting on stage.

Star-Studded Lineup

The event will showcase an all-star roster of musicians paying tribute to the metal pioneers. Acts like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, and many others will perform, setting the stage for the legendary reunion. The day will also see appearances by prominent musicians such as Tom Morello, Billy Corgan, David Draiman, and many more, ensuring a celebration of rock history.

Livestream Experience

For fans unable to attend in person, a pay-per-view global livestream will be available, allowing fans to experience this historic moment from the comfort of their homes. The livestream is set to begin at 3 PM BST on July 5, with viewers able to access the concert for an additional 48 hours after the event.

Mammoth’s Upcoming Tour

Even though Wolfgang is missing the Black Sabbath concert, he and his band Mammoth are gearing up for their own tour. They will support Creed on their summer shows, with performances scheduled through August 30. Fans can find details about the tour, including cities and ticketing information, on the Mammoth website.

Conclusion

While Wolfgang Van Halen’s absence from the Back to the Beginning concert is disappointing for many fans, his commitment to Mammoth and the upcoming Creed tour showcases his dedication to his own musical journey. As he looks forward to watching the reunion of Black Sabbath, fans can anticipate an unforgettable celebration of rock history in July 2025.

FAQs

Why is Wolfgang Van Halen not performing at the Back to the Beginning concert?

Wolfgang had to withdraw from the concert due to scheduling conflicts with Mammoth’s tour, which begins the day after the event.

What is the Back to the Beginning concert?

The concert is a reunion of the original members of Black Sabbath, taking place on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England, featuring a star-studded lineup of musicians.

How can fans watch the Back to the Beginning concert if they can’t attend in person?

A pay-per-view global livestream will be available, allowing fans to watch the concert live and for an additional 48 hours afterwards.

What is Mammoth’s upcoming schedule?

Mammoth will be touring with Creed, with performances scheduled through August 30, 2025.