While he delivered a powerful performance of an Ozzy Osbourne classic, Tobias Forge, the charismatic frontman of Ghost, had a strong desire to showcase a lesser-known gem from Black Sabbath during the band’s emotional farewell concert this past weekend. This significant event marked a heartfelt tribute to both Osbourne and the iconic heavy metal band, Black Sabbath.

Forge was among a stellar lineup of artists who graced the stage at Birmingham’s Villa Park on Saturday, July 5, for the unforgettable “Back to the Beginning” concert. This monumental occasion served as a public farewell to both the legendary Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, celebrating their immense contributions to the world of rock and heavy metal music.

The event featured a plethora of renowned bands and artists, who delivered electrifying performances in quick succession. Notable names like Metallica, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Alice In Chains, and Tool took to the stage, alongside various supergroups that formed for the occasion, covering both Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath classics throughout the day, showcasing the rich legacy of these musical giants.

The talented frontman of Ghost performed a striking rendition of Ozzy Osbourne’s hit “Bark at the Moon,” collaborating with a group of impressive musicians including Vernon Reid, Nuno Bettencourt, Adam Wakeman, Rudy Sarzo, and Travis Barker. When discussing his song choice, Forge emphasized the importance of engaging vocals, indicating that his selection was influenced by the song’s structure and the need for continuous performance.

READ MORE: Explore the Complete Setlists from the Ozzy Osbourne + Black Sabbath ‘Back to the Beginning’ Farewell Concert – Discover Who Performed What

“Many Black Sabbath tracks feature extended instrumental sections with minimal vocals, which can be challenging for a live performance. I didn’t want to just stand there in silence for two minutes, so this definitely influenced my decision when we were selecting which song I would perform,” Forge shared with Planet Rock. His insight reflects the unique challenges of live performances and the importance of maintaining audience engagement.

Initially, one of the songs that Forge contemplated for his performance was “Am I Going Insane” from the 1975 album Sabotage. It’s interesting to note that according to Setlist.fm, Black Sabbath only performed this particular song live on two occasions, making it a rare and special piece from their catalog.

“That track represents my childhood and holds a significant place in my heart,” Forge reflected, emphasizing the personal connection he has with the song. Despite his initial intentions to perform it, he ultimately decided to go with “Bark at the Moon,” and his rendition was met with enthusiasm and admiration from the audience.

Rediscovering Black Sabbath’s ‘Am I Going Insane’