The legendary band Soundgarden has expressed their heartfelt tribute and respect for Ozzy Osbourne and the iconic group Black Sabbath while also clarifying their absence from the highly anticipated Back to the Beginning concert. This acknowledgment reflects the profound impact that these rock legends have had on the music industry.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Sharon Osbourne mentioned that the surviving members of Soundgarden were slated to join the lineup alongside Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. However, despite Tyler’s presence, the members of Soundgarden were notably absent from the event, raising questions among fans and followers.

The reason for their no-show appears to be a scheduling conflict. In their statement, they expressed, “We are super bummed and regret that we were unable to coordinate the schedules of our individual and collective projects to attend and contribute to the festival.” This highlights the complexities and challenges that modern musicians face when juggling multiple commitments.

Despite their absence from the stage, Soundgarden took the opportunity to celebrate the monumental contributions that Ozzy and Black Sabbath have made to the world of music. Their heartfelt message shared on Instagram can be seen below:

Congratulations to Black Sabbath on the grand and final pealing of their vesper bells!

Thank you for an astounding career that provided us and your legion of fans with a lifetime of beauty, horror, love, power, happiness, melancholy, and a profoundly sublime yet viscerally rocking transcendence informed by both doom and hope. Your majestic brilliance has inspired greatness in scores of other bands, musicians, and songwriters. However, the crown will forever remain yours!

We are very grateful to Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, as well as Sharon Osbourne and music director Tom Morello for the honor and invitation to Soundgarden to perform at the Back to the Beginning festival! We are super bummed and regret that we were unable to coordinate the schedules of our individual and collective projects to attend and contribute to the festival. The warmth, love, and support from the Black Sabbath team have been a continuing source of encouragement and strength throughout our career.

(Pic 1) Download festival – Castle Donington, Leicestershire, 2012
(Pic 2-3) Back to the Beginning – Birmingham, 2025
(Pic 4) London, 2014
(Pic 5) Tacoma, Wa, 2016

All pics by Ross Halfin except photo 5, by Bill Herzog

Soundgarden loves you and embraces your rock and roll souls!
XOSG!!!

In recent days, inquiries concerning the status of Soundgarden have intensified, particularly after drummer Matt Cameron announced his departure from Pearl Jam after an impressive 27-year tenure. Notably, Cameron has been a pivotal figure in both Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, as well as their collaborative project, Temple of the Dog.

Discover Why Other Bands Were Absent from Back to the Beginning Concert

Another notable absence from the Back to the Beginning concert was Motley Crue, a band with significant ties to Ozzy and Black Sabbath. Recently, Nikki Sixx provided insight into their absence during an #AskSixx Q&A session on the X social media platform, revealing that the band was facing health issues.

“We have been having health issues within the band,” noted Sixx. He has also previously shared his congratulations to Ozzy and Black Sabbath, acknowledging their role in giving them one of their first significant breaks as a band, which underscores the interconnected nature of rock history.

READ MORE: 43 Back to the Beginning Performers Share Emotional Tributes to Ozzy + Black Sabbath

In April, Motley Crue also withdrew from their scheduled appearance at May’s Boardwalk Rock Fest. Additionally, they postponed their spring Las Vegas residency to the fall, allowing Vince Neil time to recover after a necessary medical procedure earlier this year.