BREAKING: Black Sabbath GUITARIST Tony Iommi W…read more.
The legendary guitarist Tony Iommi was vocal during last month’s Back to the Beginning show, with Black Sabbath potentially having performed extra songs for the event. The show was a record reunion for the fans of the pioneering heavy metal band, and Iommi admits that there was room for a longer setlist of six or seven songs rather than the brief performance that was mounted.
Having taken place in Birmingham, England, the hometown of the group, Back to the Beginning was an emotional and symbolic event, most especially for lead singer Ozzy Osbourne, who came out victorious on the stage once again after illness had kept him at home for some years. The performance brought back together Osbourne, Iommi, and founding drummer Bill Ward, which caused enthusiasm and nostalgia among the fans everywhere.
But the concert all of only a handful of songs left the majority of the fans wanting more. In a recent interview, Iommi admitted to this longing and hinted that the band initially considered playing more.
“We felt we might have been able to do six or seven songs,” said Iommi. “But we were having to be mindful of Ozzy’s condition and how much time we had. It was a special occasion, and despite keeping it short, the feeling and the energy were just incredible.”
Iommi’s words shed some light on the practical and physical issues of reassembling a band of Sabbath’s caliber after so much time apart. 76-year-old Ozzy Osbourne has been plagued by a range of health issues, including Parkinson’s disease and complications relating to spinal surgery. However, his attendance at the event occupying a throne-like gothic chair but brimming with passion and emotion was a powerful symbol of resilience and devotion to fans.
Although the concert was shorter than a few hoped for, having the original members present alone made it unforgettable. The playing of songs such as War Pigs and Paranoid echoed through the halls, reminding everyone of the band’s thunderous legacy. Fans belted out every lyric with the band, and the mood was one of reverence and joy.
Iommi, ever the voice of reason and practicality, explained that the concert was never on to be a full-on reunion concert, but more of a celebration of where they began and a thank-you to their fans and hometown. “It was really more about going back where it started, rather than playing an entire set like we used to,” he said.
Despite that, however, Iommi kept the door ajar ever so slightly for additional music or live performances by the classic lineup. “You never know,” he said. “We still like what we do, and the crowd gave us so much energy that night. Anything’s possible.”.
For now, however, the fans will be enjoying the flavor they were afforded of the great Sabbath magic even though it was for only a few songs. The evening itself was brief, but its echo will resonate for years to come.
