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- May 29, 2024
Geezer Butler has revealed that he and Ozzy Osbourne are in agreement on playing one final Black Sabbath concert. The bassist shared this exciting news during a recent interview, mentioning that he has been in touch with Osbourne almost daily, following a long period of silence between them.
The Desire for a Final Black Sabbath Concert
Butler opened up about the possibility of Sabbath reuniting for a final concert in a conversation with SiriusXM’s Eddie Trunk. He expressed his interest in a reunion, but noted a significant caveat: “Of course there’s an interest [on my part to do it], but there’s a big ‘but’ — you’d have to speak to Bill [Ward] about it,” Butler said, referencing the founding Sabbath drummer who didn’t partake in the band’s final 2016/2017 concerts. “Everybody wants to do it [but I don’t know if he is] capable [of pulling it off].”
Ozzy Osbourne has also expressed his hope to play one more show with Black Sabbath’s original lineup. Butler shares this sentiment, indicating a mutual desire to give fans one last unforgettable performance. “Ozzy was hoping to finish it all off next year back in Aston, at the Aston Villa [football stadium in Birmingham],” Butler said. “I’m definitely up for it, to finish the whole thing off. … Me and Ozzy have agreed, but I’m not sure about anybody else.”
Reconnecting After Years of Miscommunication
In the same interview, Trunk asked Butler about a part in his memoir where he mentions not speaking to Ozzy for years. Thankfully, the longtime bandmates have mended that rift. Butler shared that he’s been in touch with Ozzy “every day practically.” He elaborated on the previous misunderstanding, saying, “There was a lot of miscommunication [before]. He didn’t think I was asking about his health ’cause I know he’s been going through a lot of health problems, and I was sending all these messages to him and they weren’t being passed on to him. So he thought I was just ignoring him.”
Butler continued, “And then the weird way I had to go through Sabbath’s accountant to tell Ozzy I’d sent him all these things. ‘Cause he did this thing in Rolling Stone saying that I hadn’t been in touch with him about his health. So I went through the accountant, and he got in touch with Ozzy and said, ‘He’s just been sending you stuff. He wants to talk to you.’ And we’ve been fine since that.”
The Hurdles Ahead
With two of the four Black Sabbath members on board, the focus shifts to drummer Bill Ward and guitarist Tony Iommi. Ward, who didn’t participate in the band’s final tour due to contract disputes, has expressed a desire to play with Sabbath again. Last year, Iommi mentioned he wouldn’t be opposed to a reunion if everyone’s health permits. However, Butler remains uncertain about Ward’s capability to perform live: “I don’t think so. Maybe, I don’t know. I mean, the way technical things happen these days, maybe a couple of songs, but who knows? There wouldn’t be any traveling involved. We wouldn’t be actually all in the studio at the same time together. So it could be done that way — maybe.”
The Legacy of Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath, formed in Birmingham in 1968, is often credited with pioneering heavy metal. Their music, characterized by dark themes and heavy guitar riffs, influenced countless bands and left an indelible mark on the genre. The original lineup consisted of Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums).
The Final Tour and Its Aftermath
The band’s farewell tour, dubbed “The End,” concluded in February 2017 in their hometown of Birmingham, but without Bill Ward. Instead, Tommy Clufetos, who played with Ozzy’s solo band, handled drumming duties. The tour marked the end of an era, yet left fans yearning for a proper send-off with the complete original lineup.
The Challenges of a Reunion
Reuniting for one final show poses several challenges. Health issues, logistical hurdles, and the personal dynamics between band members all play significant roles. However, the possibility of a last performance remains a tantalizing prospect for fans and band members alike. Butler’s enthusiasm is evident: “I’d love to do it. I’d absolutely love to do it,” he reiterated.
Black Sabbath’s Enduring Influence
Black Sabbath’s influence extends beyond their music. They are a cultural phenomenon, with their imagery, sound, and legacy continuing to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. Their albums, such as “Paranoid,” “Master of Reality,” and “Black Sabbath,” are considered classics, defining the sound and spirit of heavy metal.
The Future of Black Sabbath
As Butler and Osbourne express their willingness to reunite for one final show, the future of Black Sabbath remains uncertain but hopeful. With a legacy that spans over five decades, any reunion, however brief, would be a historic event in the world of music. Fans around the globe hold their breath, hoping for a final chapter that brings closure to the story of one of the most iconic bands in rock history.
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