WATCH: Black Sabbath Guitarist Tony Iommi opened …read more.
Legendary guitarist Tony Iommi has opened up about Black Sabbath’s final chapter, offering heartfelt reflections on the iconic band’s farewell. After decades of heavy metal dominance, the group played their last show in 2017, bringing a close to an era that reshaped rock music forever.
Speaking in a recent interview, Iommi described the experience of ending Black Sabbath as both emotional and surreal. “It was a strange feeling,” he admitted. “To walk off that stage knowing it was the final time was tough, but also a relief in many ways.” The final performance, held in their hometown of Birmingham, England, was packed with nostalgia, as fans from across the globe gathered to witness the band’s historic conclusion.
Iommi, now 77, revealed that health challenges also influenced the band’s decision to retire. Having battled lymphoma since 2012, he shared that the demanding tour schedule had become increasingly difficult to manage. “Physically, it was taking a toll,” he said. “We had to be realistic.”
Despite the end of Sabbath’s live performances, Iommi remains active in music, continuing to write and record in his home studio. He also hasn’t ruled out the possibility of future collaborations with his former bandmates, including Ozzy Osbourne. “Never say never,” he smiled.
Fans of the band have expressed both sadness and gratitude, knowing they witnessed the final act of a group that defined a genre. As for Iommi, he’s proud of the band’s legacy. “We created something that stood the test of time,” he said. “That’s more than I ever dreamed of.”
Black Sabbath may have taken their final bow, but their music—and impact—will echo on for generations.
