Final Show Collaboration
The intricate lineup for the final Black Sabbath concert has just expanded even further, with Aerosmith’s Stephen Tyler and the remaining members of Soundgarden joining the event.
- Read more: Sharon Osbourne and Tony Iommi discuss the final Black Sabbath: “Typically, this is done when you’re dead.”
Concert Details
Announced in February, a one-time concert at Villa Park stadium in Birmingham is set for July 5, marking the last performance of the iconic metal group.
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello will serve as the musical director for the event, which he describes as an “honor.” Big names on the lineup include Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Gojira, Anthrax, Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, Guns N’ Roses, Korn, Tool, and many others.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Sharon Osbourne confirmed that Aerosmith frontman Stephen Tyler will also take the stage, alongside surviving members of Soundgarden.
For Tyler, this concert will be one of his first performances since he abruptly exited a tour last August due to a serious vocal cord injury. Although he hasn’t played a full show in some time, he did perform at a charity event in February, where he played some of his biggest hits.
Soundgarden and Ozzy’s Health Update
In relation to Soundgarden, the announcement came just days after they confirmed their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025, joining a group that includes The White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Bad Company, and more.
In another interview with The Guardian, Ozzy Osbourne discussed his health struggles while shedding light on the structure of the “final show.” He confirmed he wouldn’t perform full sets with Black Sabbath or his solo band, expressing his desire to “do everything possible,” but acknowledging that he might need to “sit.”
“We will play only a couple of songs. You can expect several tracks from Ozzy and Black Sabbath,” he stated.
Osbourne elaborated on why he would celebrate his final performance. “I would like to say ‘never say never,’ but after the last six years or so, it’s time,” he explained. “I’ve lived on the road for over 50 years, and I’m not used to packing my bags and getting back on the bus.”
“I no longer smoke or adopt the typical rock star lifestyle. I’m more of a homebody now; I don’t go out. I don’t hang out in bars; I don’t drink. So what is there left for me?” he added. “It’s time to spend some time with my grandchildren. I don’t want to die in a hotel room. I want to spend the rest of my life with my family.”
The updates about the show come amid statements from Sammy Hagar, who revealed that Osbourne plans to sing around five songs, including the solo track from 1991, “No More Tears.”
As the concert approaches, Osbourne has indicated he is undergoing “a tough training routine” for the performance, while Maynard James Keenan has mentioned that it may take “modern miracles” to get the frontman back on stage.
Speculations regarding Ozzy’s appearance at the event include statements from his longtime collaborator and guitarist Zakk Wylde, who mentioned that the Prince of Darkness might emerge from a “throne that is flying over the stage.”
In February, speaking with NME alongside Tony Iommi, Sharon Osbourne revealed that her husband was “doing really great” at that time and felt “very emotional” about the upcoming performance. “He wants to thank everyone,” Sharon stated. “He hasn’t had such a chance due to his illness, but now he does.”
Addressing Ozzy’s health, she added: “He has Parkinson’s as we all know, but he is doing great, and it doesn’t affect his voice.”
Iommi remarked to NME that the Saturday show “will go splendidly,” explaining: “That’s all he wants: to get out and do something.” The health details of the singer surfaced after Osbourne admitted that he “cannot walk” due to Parkinson’s.
Additionally, Black Sabbath’s final show will be organized by Aquaman actor Jason Momoa, who recently stated to NME that it will be “the greatest show in the world.”
Moreover, Lzzy Hale from Halestorm reflected on the “honor” of being the only woman to perform at the show, and Tom Morello hinted at “some major superstars who will be surprises” on that day.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/black-sabbath-final-show-aerosmith-steven-tyler-soundgarden-join-line-up-3860129?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=black-sabbath-final-show-aerosmith-steven-tyler-soundgarden-join-line-up
