Justin Chancellor of Tool Discusses New Music & Ozzy Before Good Things Festival

Ozzy Osbourne certainly made a memorable exit. His final performance, held last month at Villa Park in Birmingham, featured an impressive lineup that left a lasting impression on rock fans.

Those present at the venue or viewing from home will fondly remember ‘Back to the Beginning’ as a significant moment in music history, showcasing the darker side of the genre.

This concert marked Ozzy’s farewell, as he sadly passed away just two-and-a-half weeks later, making it a poignant celebration of his life and career.

A Night to Remember

Justin Chancellor, bassist of Tool, reminisced about the one-off show, which saw performances from legends like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. He described the experience as surreal.

“I watched his entire set with my family, and despite his illness, he was phenomenal. We knew he was struggling, but his performance was remarkable,” Chancellor reflected.

Backstage Reflections

After the concert, Chancellor was struck by Ozzy’s cheerful demeanor backstage, even as he navigated in a wheelchair. “He was surrounded by people, engaged and in great spirits,” Chancellor recalled. Just 17 days later, the news of Ozzy’s death at 76 was shocking and heart-wrenching.

“I didn’t see it coming at all, and it hit hard,” he shared. “It was both sad and beautiful, knowing that he gave everything he had to us.”

Chancellor noted that Ozzy had even gone off his pain medication for the show to deliver a stronger performance, showcasing his dedication to his craft.

A Powerful Legacy

During the extended nine-hour concert, Tool included fan favorites in their setlist, showcasing their unique blend of heavy music.

Concert-goers in Australia will have a chance to experience Tool live again in 2025 when they headline the three-city Good Things festival. This marks their return to Australia after over five years.

Tool is more than a band; they are a force in heavy music, celebrated for their creativity and intensity. Their lineup remains led by the enigmatic Maynard James Keenan, alongside Chancellor, guitarist Adam Jones, and drummer Danny Carey.

What Comes Next

While there’s no finalized setlist for the upcoming shows, Chancellor expressed excitement about revisiting fan favorites. A possibility of sharing new material also lingers after their 2019 album, *Fear Inoculum*.

“We have some ideas brewing for new music, perhaps even releasing songs individually,” Chancellor explained. The landscape of music distribution has evolved, allowing for creative exploration in how they present new works.

Their last tour in Australia in February 2020 was cut short due to the pandemic, making this upcoming festival even more thrilling. “It’s incredible to be back; it feels like a lost part of our journey,” he remarked.

As the band continues to work on new music, Chancellor assures fans, “We’re on it. That’s all I can share right now.”

Good Things Festival 2025 Dates and Venues

Friday, December 5th
Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne

Saturday, December 6th
Sydney Showground, Sydney

Sunday, December 7th
Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane

Tickets can be obtained through oztix.com.au. For more information, check the official festival site.