Geezer Butler’s Farewell Show Anxiety
Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler confessed to experiencing “nightmares” and “palpitations” leading up to the group’s farewell performance this summer.
- READ MORE: Sharon Osbourne and Tony Iommi share insights on the finale Black Sabbath: “Usually this thing is done when you are dead”
Announcement of Final Show
In February, the iconic metal band revealed that they would perform their last show on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham. Butler, along with frontman Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward, would reunite for the first time in two decades.
As the date approached, Butler spoke with Keeper about his escalating nerves: “I already have a heartbeat,” he stated. “In fact, I had a nightmare last night.”
“I dreamed that everything went wrong on stage, and we all turned to dust,” he elaborated. “It’s crucial that we leave a lasting impression, as this will be the last time people experience us live. It has to be a great night.”
In the same interview, Osbourne also discussed his health struggles before the concert, particularly after recent health issues. In 2019, he fell and aggravated a previous spinal injury, requiring multiple surgeries and was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“I will be there, and I will give it my all,” he assured. “All I can do is show up.”
He added, “I’m used to performing for two hours, jumping and running around. I don’t think I’ll be doing much jumping or running this time. I can sit.”
“We are only playing a few songs from each of us. I don’t want people to think, ‘We’re breaking up,’ because it will be just… what word? … A sample, you will get a few songs from Ozzy and Sabbath.”
Former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello will also be appearing at this event as the music director, with a massive lineup that includes Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Alice in Chains, Sammy Hagar, Ghost, Wolfgang Van Halen, Zakk Wylde, Jonathan Davis from Korn, and Slash. Earlier this week, the list expanded to include Steven Tyler from Aerosmith and surviving members of Soundgarden.
Speaking with NME back in February, Iommi and Sharon Osbourne hinted at what to expect from the finale concert, also providing updates on Ozzy’s health.
“He is truly remarkable. He has Parkinson’s, as we all know, but it does not affect his singing ability,” Sharon remarked.
Iommi added, “It will be incredible to put on this show. Everyone wants to go out and do something.”
Osbourne had previously indicated that only “small cuts” of Black Sabbath tracks would be played during the reunion concert. He has since been hitting the gym to prepare for the performance.
The event aims to raise funds for three charitable organizations: treating Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, supported by Aston Villa Football Club.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/black-sabbaths-geezer-butler-having-nightmares-and-palpitations-ahead-of-farewell-show-3860338?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=black-sabbaths-geezer-butler-having-nightmares-and-palpitations-ahead-of-farewell-show
