Tony Iommi Reveals Doubts Over Black Sabbath Reunion Show

Black Sabbath’s final set might not have happened if Tony Iommi had gotten his way. In a new interview with Classic Rock, the legendary guitarist admitted he had serious doubts about reuniting with Ozzy Osbourne for last year’s historic Back To The Beginning show at Villa Park in Birmingham.

The concert saw Metallica, Pantera, Guns N’ Roses and Tool among those lining up to play a tribute to Sabbath, with proceeds going to several charities. However, Iommi was initially dubious when Sabbath were asked to reunite for the show.

“I said to Ozzy: ‘I don’t think we should do it,’” Iommi recalled. “I said: ‘We should just let the other bands play our stuff, and us come out at the end and say thank you.’ But it was for a good charitable cause, and eventually we said okay.”

Concerns Over Ozzy’s Health

Iommi had last seen Ozzy when the two of them performed “Paranoid” at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The singer had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003, but only made his condition public in 2020 when his symptoms worsened.

“I hadn’t seen Ozzy for a bit, and it was difficult seeing him like that,” Iommi said. “Fucking hell…”

The guitarist was also worried about the physical toll. He didn’t want Ozzy to play a solo set before Sabbath’s closing performance either, admitting, “I was concerned he was going to blow himself out, and by the time we came on he’d be struggling.”

Despite his initial reservations, the band proceeded with the performance for charity. Iommi has also talked about the making of his new solo album, From The Dark, which will arrive on October 23 via BMG.