Back to the Beginning: A Celebration of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath

Zakk Wylde recently referred to the upcoming “Back to the Beginning” concert as “Ozzfest on steroids” during an interview with Loudwire Nights. Set to take place on July 5, this day-long event promises to be a monumental celebration of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, featuring some of rock and metal’s biggest names.

A Star-Studded Lineup

While many of the performers have already been announced, Wylde provided additional insights about what fans can anticipate. “I think all the bands are going to do… let’s say, if they do three or four songs, do two of their songs and then do one Sabbath song,” he mentioned in a chat with Rolling Stone. This format will allow various artists to pay tribute to the legendary band while also showcasing their own music.

The Tribute Format

According to Wylde, the tribute will not only honor Black Sabbath’s legacy but also lead to some friendly competition among the artists. “I think Tom [Morello]’s trying to make sure everybody’s got their own song that they’re going to do. And then you got to pick,” he joked. “It would be great if everybody just does ‘Iron Man.’ [Laughs]. It’s just 12 hours of ‘Iron Man.'” This humorous take underscores the iconic status of Black Sabbath’s music.

Featured Performers

The concert is set to feature performances from an impressive array of bands, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons. Additionally, various supergroups composed of notable musicians will pay their respects to the legendary band.

Celebrating Ozzy’s Legacy

Wylde confirmed that several key players from Ozzy’s solo era will be part of the event. “[Bassist] Mike Inez is going to be there. [Drummer] Michael Bordin is going to be there. [Drummer] Tommy Clufetos will be there. [Bassist] Robert Trujillo will be there, [keyboardist] Adam Wakeman…It’ll be everyone that’s played with Ozzy over the years. We’re going to figure it out when we get there,” he stated, hinting at a collaborative atmosphere among the musicians.

Black Sabbath’s Grand Finale

The highlight of the evening is expected to be a reunion of all four members of Black Sabbath. “Basically just the four of them,” Wylde said. “I think everybody’s going to be up there onstage watching. I mean, how could you not? I think it’s going to be a truly amazing moment.” This reunion is anticipated to be a historic event in the world of rock music.

Is This Really the End?

Although Black Sabbath has discussed the possibility of recording more music together, the band maintains that this concert marks their final performance. However, Wylde remains hopeful for the future. “I’m sure the promoters are going to go, ‘Wow, that was pretty amazing. Let’s do another world tour right now,’” he remarked. He envisions a unique performance where Ozzy could continue to engage with fans, even from a throne that could enhance the spectacle of the show.

Conclusion

The “Back to the Beginning” concert promises to be a celebration of Black Sabbath’s incredible legacy, with a lineup of performances that honors the band’s influence on rock and metal music. As fans eagerly await this monumental event, the atmosphere of collaboration, tribute, and nostalgia is sure to create unforgettable moments.

FAQs

What is the date of the Back to the Beginning concert?

The concert is scheduled for July 5.

Which bands are confirmed to perform?

Confirmed bands include Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons, among others.

Will Black Sabbath perform at the concert?

Yes, all four members of Black Sabbath are expected to reunite for a performance at the concert.

Is this the final performance for Black Sabbath?

While the band has stated that this will be their last performance, there are discussions about the possibility of future collaborations.