Billy Corgan recently honored Black Sabbath after the band’s final concert in Birmingham, England. He described the occasion as “a beautiful and bittersweet day.” This all-day event at Villa Park featured a reunion of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, their first appearance together since 2005.
Corgan participated in a “supergroup” alongside notable musicians like Steven Tyler, Sammy Hagar, Tool’s Adam Jones, and Tom Morello. They performed covers of classic tracks such as Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” and Black Sabbath’s “Snowblind.”
Corgan’s Reflection on Black Sabbath
On Instagram, Corgan revealed, “I first heard Black Sabbath on my uncle’s stereo some 50 years ago.” He noted the surreal experience of standing on a football pitch, surrounded by 45,000 fans, to witness this legendary band’s farewell. He expressed gratitude towards the band members for their profound impact on his life.
He thanked Sharon Osbourne for inviting him to participate, calling it an honor that he could hardly quantify. The rehearsal showcased passionate performances from various artists, culminating in a nearly ten-hour celebration of music and camaraderie.
The Essence of Music
Corgan eloquently stated, “Every great journey has trials and tribulations, tragedies and surprise.” He shared his mixed emotions during the event, feeling both exalted and reflective as he watched his heroes take their final bow. The music remains, resonating within their hearts and the cosmos.
During the all-star farewell concert, dubbed “Back to the Beginning,” other prominent bands such as Metallica and Guns N’ Roses also paid respect to Osbourne. Metallica opened their set with a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Hole in the Sky,” while Guns N’ Roses performed four renditions of Black Sabbath tracks, starting with “It’s Alright.”
Osbourne’s Emotional Tribute
Reflecting on the concert, Osbourne stated, “It’s my time to go back to the beginning … time for me to give back to the place where I was born.” He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform with people he loves, and hailed Birmingham as the true home of metal.
A new documentary titled “No Escape From Now” will explore the health struggles Osbourne has faced since 2019 and his decision to hold this farewell concert. Fans can look forward to its premiere on Paramount+ later this year.
What are your thoughts on the impact Black Sabbath has had on rock music?
