In an exciting preview of the highly anticipated concert event, Zakk Wylde described the upcoming celebration of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath as “Ozzfest on steroids” during a recent conversation with Loudwire Nights. Fans eagerly await this day-long extravaganza, dubbed the Back to the Beginning concert, set to take place this Saturday, July 5. This event promises an unforgettable experience, bringing together some of the biggest names in rock and metal for a celebration of musical legacy.

As the excitement builds, Wylde has provided further insights into what fans can expect from this star-studded lineup. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he shared that participating bands are likely to perform a mix of their own tracks alongside classic Sabbath songs. “I think all the bands are going to do… let’s say, if they do three or four songs, do two of their songs and then do one Sabbath song,” Wylde explained, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event. “Everybody’s going to pay tribute to Sabbath, and then we’ll sit and watch Sabbath at the end of the night, watch them crush it.”

Wylde added a touch of humor regarding the planning of song selections, joking about the friendly competition among artists to secure their desired tracks. “I think Tom [Morello]’s trying to make sure everybody’s got their own song that they’re going to do. And then you got to pick. Sabbath’s got plenty of amazing songs to choose from. It would be great if everybody just does ‘Iron Man.’ [Laughs] It’s just 12 hours of ‘Iron Man.’” This light-hearted remark showcases the camaraderie and excitement surrounding the event.

The lineup for the Back to the Beginning concert is nothing short of impressive, featuring legendary acts such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons. Additionally, fans can look forward to special performances by various supergroups formed by renowned musicians, all coming together to honor the legacy of Ozzy and Sabbath.

As anticipation grows, Zakk Wylde has hinted at more surprises regarding the lineup, revealing that key players from Ozzy’s solo era will be making appearances as well. “[Bassist] Mike Inez is going to be there. [Drummer] Michael Bordin is going to be there. [Drummer] Tommy Clufetos will be there. [Bassist] Robert Trujillo will be there, [keyboardist] Adam Wakeman… It’ll be everyone that’s played with Ozzy over the years. We’re going to figure it out when we get there.” This inclusion of past collaborators adds a nostalgic touch to the celebration, promising an unforgettable reunion.

READ MORE: How You Can Watch Ozzy Osbourne + Black Sabbath’s ‘Back to the Beginning’ Farewell Concert

Adding to the excitement, Wylde confirmed that the concert’s finale is expected to feature a historic reunion of all four original members of Black Sabbath. “Basically just the four of them,” Wylde stated. “I think everybody’s going to be up there onstage watching. I mean, how could you not? I think it’s going to be a truly amazing moment.” This reunion is anticipated to be a highlight of the concert, offering fans a chance to witness a legendary moment in music history.

Will This Mark the Final Chapter for Black Sabbath?

Despite discussions among Black Sabbath members about the possibility of recording new music together, they have consistently maintained that this concert will serve as their final performance. Nevertheless, Zakk Wylde remains hopeful for future collaborations and believes many share his sentiment. He mused, “I’m sure the promoters are going to go, ‘Wow, that was pretty amazing. Let’s do another world tour right now.’” Wylde expressed optimism that the overwhelming response to this event could pave the way for more opportunities in the future.

Wylde continued, “I think not only will all the other bands be on the side of the stage to witness this amazingness, but I think all the promoters are going to be up there going, ‘Are you thinking what I’m thinking?’ If Oz sounds great and everything like that, if he wants to continue carrying on singing on a throne, we’ll just make the throne so it goes out over the audience. It shoots fire and water, and dragons come out of it. You know what I mean? And we’ll make the throne part of the show. It’d be amazing.” This playful vision of an extravagant stage setup illustrates Wylde’s creative enthusiasm and reflects the spirit of the event.