BREAKING: Black Sabbath Icon Tony Iommi Op…read more
Legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has looked back on the band’s historic final concert, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional weight of the night, concerns over Ozzy Osbourne’s solo ambitions, and a few surprising details about songs that never made it to the stage.
The iconic farewell show took place on February 4, 2017, in Birmingham, England—Black Sabbath’s hometown—marking the end of an era for the pioneers of heavy metal. While the performance was a celebration of their decades-long legacy, Iommi revealed in a recent interview that it was also marked by exhaustion, tension, and personal worry—particularly about Ozzy’s health.
Iommi praised Ozzy’s energy but confessed he was uneasy about the frontman performing a solo set after the full Sabbath show. “I didn’t think it was the right move,” Iommi said. “Playing a Sabbath set is already draining—adding more to that felt like too much. I was genuinely worried about how it would affect him physically.”
The farewell tour, titled “The End,” was physically demanding for all members—especially for Iommi, who was dealing with ongoing health challenges, and drummer Tommy Clufetos, filling in for original drummer Bill Ward. The emotional and physical strain of the tour made the final performance even more intense.
“Ozzy gave it his all, but we were all worn out,” Iommi added. “He wanted to finish strong, and he did. But I think it pushed us all to our limits.”
The setlist on that final night was packed with fan favorites like “Iron Man,” “Paranoid,” and “War Pigs.” However, Iommi revealed that several tracks rehearsed in preparation—such as “Changes,” “Sweet Leaf,” and “Symptom of the Universe”—were ultimately cut to maintain the concert’s flow and energy.
“We had to make some tough calls,” Iommi admitted. “There were songs we loved, and fans love too, but not everything fit the feel of the show. It was about creating the right experience, not just playing everything we wanted.”
Though the curtain fell on Black Sabbath’s live performances that night, Iommi left the door open for future collaboration. He emphasized that while the band members have gone their separate musical paths, their connection remains strong.
“There’s still a bond there,” he said. “If something comes up that makes sense for all of us, who knows?”
Reflecting on the final moments of the band’s journey, Iommi shared: “Leaving that stage for the last time hit me like a wave. But we finished the way we wanted to—at home, together, and proud of what we built.”
While Black Sabbath may no longer perform live, their legacy lives on—and thanks to Iommi’s reflections, fans now have a deeper insight into the emotions and decisions behind the final act of one of metal’s greatest bands.
