A possible farewell concert for Black Sabbath is taking shape. Geezer Butler has now made the plans for the reunion of the original cast more concrete. However, the bassist made it clear that this would be a one-time thing.
Ozzy wants the finale completely
Butler confirmed that he and Ozzy Osbourne had agreed to appear on stage together for one final performance. The bassist told Lifeminute that the health-stricken frontman still had great ambitions to say goodbye to his fans. If so, then with all remaining members of the band – including Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward. “Ozzy told me he really wants to go on stage again,” Butler said. “He suggested that the four of us play maybe three or four songs at this last concert. And that would be it, done.” However, the 75-year-old immediately made it clear: “This is a one-time thing. There definitely won’t be any more tours.”
In May, Osbourne spoke in the podcast “The Madhouse Chronicles” about the hard rock band’s last show together at the Birmingham Arena in 2017. At that time, it wasn’t quite complete because drummer Bill Ward was missing. He separated from Black Sabbath in 2012 due to contract disputes. Osbourne expressed great regret, saying Black Sabbath felt “incomplete” without him. He sent an unmistakable signal to Ward: “If we could do another gig with Bill, I would do it,” said the “Prince of Darkness”.
Bill Ward: “I’m ready!”
The drummer himself was open to the idea in July. On his X account he wrote: “I’m ready to play some of the old favorites. I loved playing her back then and would like to play her one last time.”
And Tony Iommi? Not averse, but remain skeptical
Guitarist Tony Iommi, the only one who never officially left the band, also expressed interest to “Trunk Nation” in one last appearance together. He explained that a reunion of the band would be a “beautiful thing.” However, it is a “different matter” whether such a concert could actually take place at some point. And Iommi wouldn’t undertake a longer tour either. He is too old for that.
Fans of the British heavy metal pioneers should be very happy about the at least theoretical reunion. In the Parxis, however, the implementation of these plans depends on Osbourne’s health. Last November, the 76-year-old shared that he may have to “accept the fact” that a comeback to the stage is no longer possible due to his Parkinson’s disease and multiple surgeries. “[…] If I can perform again, I will,” he told Rolling Stone at the time. “But it feels like I’m saying goodbye to the best relationship of my life.”