As the heavy metal world gears up for the monumental “Back To The Beginning” concert this Saturday, July 5th, in Birmingham, UK, Zakk Wylde, longtime guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne‘s solo band, is voicing an audacious hope: that this highly anticipated send-off for Ozzy and Black Sabbath won’t, in fact, be their final act. Wylde‘s characteristically optimistic outlook adds an intriguing layer to what is otherwise billed as a definitive farewell.
In a recent conversation with Rolling Stone, Wylde elaborated on his personal role in this star-studded extravaganza, confirming his active participation in the day’s events. He revealed: “I’ll be doing dishes and laundry, and it’ll be wonderful… No, we’re going to play with the boss [Ozzy Osbourne]. I guess we’re scheduled to do a couple songs with Oz, and then sit and watch Sabbath play. And then obviously we’re going to jam with Pantera as well.” This triple duty places Wylde at the heart of the celebration, bridging Ozzy‘s solo legacy, Black Sabbath‘s final performance, and the tribute from fellow metal giants.
The “Back To The Beginning” event, which boasts an unprecedented lineup including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and Tool, is designed to be a seamless tribute. Promoter Andy Copping has already confirmed a rotating stage to maintain momentum, along with tantalizing hints of unannounced surprise guests. Wylde shed further light on what fans can expect from the supporting bands‘ sets.
“I think all the bands are going to do… let’s say, if they do three or four songs, do two of their songs and then do one Sabbath song,” Wylde explained. “I think that’s what everybody’s doing. Everybody’s going to pay tribute to Sabbath, and then we’ll sit and watch Sabbath at the end of the night, watch them crush it.” Rumors are already swirling, with Guns N’ Roses reportedly soundchecking “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” for their tribute.
For Ozzy‘s own segment, Wylde detailed the remarkable roster of musicians set to join the Prince of Darkness on stage, promising a reunion of talent from various eras of Ozzy‘s solo career. This includes bassist Mike Inez, drummers Michael Bordin and Tommy Clufetos, bassist Robert Trujillo, and keyboardist Adam Wakeman, among others. “It’ll be everyone that’s played with Ozzy over the years. We’re going to figure it out when we get there,” Wylde stated, hinting at spontaneous magic.
Despite Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath‘s consistent messaging that this will be their definitive farewell, Wylde‘s optimism remains unshaken. He envisions a future where the sheer success of this event compels them to continue.
“I’m sure the promoters are going to go, ‘Wow, that was pretty amazing. Let’s do another world tour right now.’ I think not only will all the other bands be on the side of the stage to watch the amazingness, I think all the promoters are going to be up there going, ‘Are you thinking what I’m thinking?’” Wylde mused. He even playfully suggested elaborate stage enhancements if Ozzy’s health necessitates a seated performance, like a “throne” that “shoots fire and water and dragons come out of it.”
Acknowledging the health challenges faced by both Ozzy and returning Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, Wylde injected his signature humor, joking, “We’ll see. Let’s just pump Vi*gra and C*alis into both of them and let’s get this thing going. [Laughs].” He continued to express his sincere hope that this show is, in fact, just the preamble to more, drawing parallels to Phil Collins’ seated performances. “Why not? I really think it would be great. If they do this Sabbath thing and it sounds amazing, and Ozzy sings great, and the band sounds amazing, and the only difference is Oz is just sitting down, like you said, like Phil Collins. Why not, right? You know every promoter’s just got their fingers crossed on this one,” Wylde concluded, clearly banking on the power of a triumphant performance to defy all expectations of a final goodbye.
