In an exclusive interview, legendary guitarist Tony Iommi candidly discussed his initial reluctance to participate in the highly anticipated Black Sabbath reunion concert scheduled for this summer. He shared the personal reflections that ultimately led him to change his mind and commit to this momentous occasion.
The iconic band’s farewell tour wrapped up in February 2017, marking the end of an era nearly four years after they released their final studio album, 13. Earlier this year, Black Sabbath announced the Back to the Beginning performance, an event that will unite all four original members on stage for the first time in over two decades, serving also as Ozzy Osbourne‘s final performance.
Historically, music groups face backlash for reuniting after declaring a retirement, particularly from devoted fans who have invested significant time and money to witness what was billed as the “final tour.” This sentiment was not lost on Iommi, who revealed to The Guardian his apprehensions about the reunion.
“I was the one who expressed my doubts, saying, ‘I don’t know if we should do it,’ because we had already completed a farewell tour, and I didn’t want to fall into the pattern of other bands that declare a last tour only to return,” the renowned guitarist explained, reflecting on the industry’s trends.
However, Iommi recognized the charitable intentions behind the concert’s proceeds, which will benefit organizations such as Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital, Acorn Children’s Hospice, and Cure Parkinson’s. This realization played a significant role in his decision to participate, as he understood that this event would contribute positively to the community.
“I’ve been persuaded to join in because we’re doing this for a meaningful cause… No one is receiving any payment from this,” Iommi elaborated, emphasizing the altruistic nature of the concert.
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The overwhelming demand for the concert was evident, as tickets sold out in under 20 minutes, indicating that fans have indeed forgiven the band for their return — or perhaps were never truly upset about it to begin with.
Set to take place on Saturday, July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, the Back to the Beginning concert will also feature performances by renowned artists such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, among others, promising an unforgettable experience for rock enthusiasts.
Notable Bands That Have Reunited Following ‘Final’ Tours
<p<In the realm of music, Slayer serves as a prominent example of a band that recently reunited for several performances despite previously declaring their 2018 and 2019 tour as their last. This scenario often elicits mixed reactions from their fanbase, highlighting the complexity of audience sentiments regarding such reunions.
“I randomly remember that Slayer announced in 2019 that their last show would be in Quebec. Yet, here they are set to perform this summer. I find it frustrating when bands do this,” a fan expressed in a Reddit post earlier this year, illustrating the common frustration among fans.
Another user chimed in, stating, “To be honest, all the ‘final tours’ and ‘farewell tours’ feel like a big scam. While I appreciate that younger fans get to experience a Slayer concert, I wish bands would be more straightforward. They could simply say, ‘We’re done for now; let’s see what happens next.’ However, I understand that bands like KISS are always looking for more revenue,” reflecting a critical perspective on the industry.
Conversely, another fan shared a more positive view, stating, “I’d prefer them to be a bit dishonest and allow us the opportunity to see them perform again,” showcasing the diverse opinions among fans regarding band reunions.
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