‘Sadly We Had To Back Out Of It’

During a recent Loudwire Nights interview, Chuck Armstrong asked RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson whether he was familiar with BLACK SABBATH‘s music in the 1970s.

Alex said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth): “Oh, for sure. I mean, those were very early days. We were playing high schools and eventually clubs and things like that. I don’t know if I was a really a fan of BLACK SABBATH, but I did get a couple records back then and I enjoyed listening to them. I respected Tony‘s [Iommi, SABBATH guitarist] guitar playing.”

Regarding Ozzy Osbourne and BLACK SABBATH‘s upcoming final Birmingham show, Alex said: “That whole thing that they’re doing this summer, [Geddy and I] were asked to be a part of it, and we had agreed to do it, but other things came up, and sadly we had to back out of it, ’cause it would have been a lot of fun. And we enjoy playing with other people, and it gets Geddy and me together to do stuff, and all of that.”

BLACK SABBATH‘s final show, scheduled for July 5th at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, is shaping up to be a historic event. Dubbed “Back To The Beginning,” this concert will mark the culmination of the band’s groundbreaking career and a celebration of their enduring legacy.

The event will also feature performances by METALLICA, SLAYER, PANTERA, GUNS N’ ROSES, TOOL, GOJIRA, ALICE IN CHAINS, HALESTORM, LAMB OF GOD, ANTHRAX, and MASTODON.

Ozzy‘s wife, Sharon Osbourne, discussed BLACK SABBATH‘s upcoming reunion concert with BBC News, saying: “He’s doing great. He’s doing really great. He’s so excited about this, about being with the guys again and all his friends. It’s exciting for everyone.”

Ozzy Osbourne, who has postponed his “No More Tours 2” shows several times due to illness, the pandemic, and logistical issues, and who paused touring in 2023 after spinal surgery, will perform his last concert ever at Villa Park, according to Sharon.

“Ozzy didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to his friends, to his fans, and he feels there’s no been no full stop,” she said. “This is his full stop.”

“It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning, time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” Ozzy said in a statement. “How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love.