On Saturday, July 5, an extraordinary lineup of iconic rock and metal legends will gather to honor the legendary Ozzy Osbourne and the groundbreaking band Black Sabbath at the highly anticipated Back to the Beginning farewell concert. This remarkable event not only marks the long-awaited reunion of the original members of Black Sabbath, but it also features an impressive roster of renowned artists including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Slayer, Steven Tyler, Pantera, and many more. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening filled with powerful performances and emotional tributes to the music that has shaped the rock and metal landscape.

As Ozzy Osbourne‘s longtime guitarist, Zakk Wylde, has revealed, all participating artists will be paying homage to Black Sabbath by covering their classic songs. Due to Osbourne’s ongoing health challenges, he is only anticipated to perform “bits and pieces” of his legendary catalog. This raises an exciting question: which iconic Black Sabbath tracks will each artist choose to reinterpret for this momentous occasion? Recently, Sammy Hagar announced his intention to cover “Flying High Again,” suggesting that solo Osbourne songs might also be on the table. Below, we share our predictions and hopes for this historic tribute.

Celebrating the Legacy of Black Sabbath

It’s only fitting that the guests of honor claim the lion’s share of the most beloved Black Sabbath songs for themselves. It’s hard to envision a more fitting opener than the hauntingly iconic “Black Sabbath,” with its dark and atmospheric sound setting the perfect tone for the evening. Additionally, classic hits like “Iron Man” and “Paranoid” are almost guaranteed to be included, as they are staples in the band’s repertoire. Perhaps they’ll even choose to perform four tracks and include “Children of the Grave?” It’s likely that several guest vocalists will join Osbourne on stage to lend their voices and support during this incredible set.

Honoring Ozzy Osbourne’s Solo Career

In addition to celebrating Black Sabbath, it’s reasonable to expect that Ozzy Osbourne will take the opportunity to bid farewell to his remarkable solo career as well. There’s a good chance he may perform a few of his own iconic tracks before being joined by his Black Sabbath bandmates for a grand finale. Essential songs like “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” seem like must-have inclusions, and perhaps there will also be time to showcase “I Don’t Know.” This farewell event will not only be a tribute to his past but also a celebration of his enduring legacy in the music world.

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Metallica’s Tribute to Black Sabbath

Where does a 500-pound gorilla sleep? Wherever it wants, and the same goes for Metallica when it comes to choosing a Black Sabbath song to cover. The possibilities are endless, given their history of performing Sabbath classics. They’ve previously covered “Sabbra Cadabra” and “A National Acrobat” in a dynamic medley on their 1998 Garage Inc. album. Additionally, they played a significant role in inducting Black Sabbath into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, performing “Iron Man” and “Hole in the Sky” during the ceremony. Over the years, they have also covered “Paranoid” multiple times. A full-band rendition of “War Pigs” would certainly be a thrilling addition to the concert, but in a recent interview, frontman James Hetfield hinted at another exciting possibility, mentioning “Into the Void” as his favorite Sabbath track while praising the genius of Tony Iommi: “He can go from the heaviest doom riff into a happy mode and it would still sound heavy.”

Guns N’ Roses’ Anticipated Performance

Axl Rose previously delivered a stunning solo piano version of the Bill Ward-sung rarity “It’s Alright,” featured on Guns N’ Roses‘ Live Era ’87-’93 album. However, it’s likely that the band will choose a more recognizable hit for this farewell show. Imagine the electrifying dream scenario of “The Wizard,” with Steven Tyler joining in on harmonica to create a unique and unforgettable moment.

Tool’s Unique Interpretation

Given their distinct sound, the trippy “Planet Caravan” would be an ideal choice for Tool, especially considering Maynard James Keenan‘s exceptional vocal range. However, Pantera has long claimed this song, having covered it on their Far Beyond Driven album for over 30 years. Alternatives like “N.I.B.” or “Killing Yourself to Live” could also work, but if Tool opts to delve deeper into the Black Sabbath catalog, they might even choose the underappreciated epic “Megalomania” from the Sabotage album.

Slayer’s Choice for the Tribute

Slayer guitarist Kerry King has promised that fans will be thrilled with the Black Sabbath song he has selected for the farewell show. He shared with Rolling Stone Brasil that he took his time in making his choice, ultimately deciding on a track that he believes will work out exceptionally well. Slayer previously covered the Black Sabbath classic “Hand of Doom” on the second Nativity in Black tribute album, but Reddit users have proposed an exciting alternative: “Symptom of the Universe” from Sabotage, which would certainly resonate with fans.

Pantera’s Potential Song Selection

As previously mentioned, Pantera may have a strong claim to “Planet Caravan,” but if they decide to switch things up, there are still several significant tracks available to cover. One option that comes to mind is the timeless classic “War Pigs.” Zakk Wylde, who has been touring with Pantera, expressed his willingness to adapt to whatever is needed for the setlist. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m a team player,” he shared during an interview. “Whatever you need me to do — whatever pass route you need me to run, I’ll run it.”

Alice in Chains: A Nostalgic Tribute

Being invited to perform at the Back to the Beginning concert offers Jerry Cantrell a chance to reflect on Alice in Chains’ early days when they opened for both Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. In 1993, they also recruited longtime bassist Mike Inez from Osbourne’s solo band. Cantrell expressed his excitement about the performance, stating, “I’m really stoked myself to see it, and to try and do those songs justice, learning a couple of cool tunes to play for the show. It’s gonna be fun.” The band has previously covered “Sweet Leaf” on several occasions, and their renditions have been well-received, making it a strong contender for their tribute selection.

Anthrax’s Dedication to Authenticity

For Scott Ian of Anthrax, one of the most challenging aspects of the Black Sabbath tribute show has already been accomplished—keeping the event a closely guarded secret. He shared with Guitar World, “I wasn’t even telling friends and stuff until it was announced. I didn’t want to be responsible for anything leaking. It’s amazing. I never thought I would get to see it again, you know?” He is committed to honoring the source material while staying true to their unique sound. “We’re not looking to change the arrangements. We covered ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’ back in the ‘80s; we did our best to honor it,” he explained. Although their rendition may differ from Tony Iommi’s original tone, the spirit of the song will remain intact. “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” is an excellent choice, but if Black Sabbath doesn’t perform “Children of the Grave,” that track could also be a fantastic selection for Anthrax.

Steven Tyler's Anticipated Return

It has been nearly two years since Aerosmith was forced to halt their touring schedule due to Steven Tyler‘s vocal cord injury. However, he has made a few brief appearances since then, including one alongside bandmate Joe Perry last month. If Osbourne is unable to perform “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” or if he requires a duet partner, Tyler would be an ideal collaborator. If not, perhaps he could bring his iconic voice to “Changes,” adding a unique twist to the classic tune.