Tool is among the stellar lineup of bands set to perform at Black Sabbath's highly anticipated farewell concert titled “Back to the Beginning,” scheduled for next month. Interestingly, the band initially hesitated to participate in this monumental event.

In a candid discussion with Guitar World, Adam Jones shared his and his bandmates’ initial reactions when they were approached by Tom Morello, who is taking on the role of the event’s musical director. “The four of us were either on a phone call or texting – I can’t recall the specifics – but someone expressed doubts. One member said, ‘I don’t think I can do it.’ Another chimed in, ‘Okay, yeah, I think I’m gonna pursue this other opportunity,’… I even suggested, ‘Yeah, let’s not take part.’ However, it was truly an honor to be invited,” recounted Jones.

Months later, Morello reached out again, this time asking Jones if he would be interested in performing a song alongside him and Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins during the show. Upon agreeing, Jones discovered that his bandmates, Maynard James Keenan and Danny Carey, had also decided to join in and play with various artists.

“I was surprised to learn that,” Jones remarked. It struck a chord with me, and I thought, ‘If the three of us are involved – and I’m sure Justin will want to join too.’ I then went back to our management and proposed, ‘Why don’t we just go for it? We’re all going to be present.’ That’s how our participation came about – and why it was announced at a later date,” the guitarist elaborated.

Joining Tool, a powerhouse in the rock genre, are an impressive array of other bands including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Anthrax, and Rival Sons. Collectively, these iconic names will grace the stage alongside Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne for this unforgettable concert event, set to occur on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.

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