Megadeth claims to have not received an invitation for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's farewell performance, as asserted by band member James LoMenzo.
In a surprising turn of events, heavy metal band Megadeth was not part of the lineup for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's final concert, "Back to the Beginning". The event, held on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, was a special farewell show that emphasised original Black Sabbath members and bands that paid direct tribute to Black Sabbath’s legacy[1][3][4].
The concert, which lasted ten hours, featured an all-star lineup including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Anthrax, Pantera, and others. However, Megadeth was conspicuously absent from the list[1][3][4].
The decision to exclude Megadeth from the lineup was likely based on the event's theme and connections rather than personal conflicts or controversies. The concert was designed as a special farewell show, focusing on foundational and key influential artists rather than a broad metal spectrum[1][3][4].
James LoMenzo, Megadeth's bassist, revealed in an interview with Japan's Burrn! magazine that they weren't approached to participate[2]. He mentioned that it was fine that Megadeth wasn't invited, and that their manager did not successfully accomplish what was needed for their participation[2].
Charrie Foglio, a journalist, also noted the absence of Megadeth at the concert[3]. Despite their exclusion, the music world came out in full force to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne's life and legacy[5].
Interestingly, Bill Ward, Sabbath's drummer, knew about the Back to the Beginning show months before it was announced[6]. He was excited to be part of the final show due to its significance to the band members[6].
Despite Megadeth's exclusion, the Big Four of thrash metal - Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax - were all present at the concert[1]. Megadeth's leader, David Mustaine, even reached out to the organizers to express interest in participating[7].
Tragically, Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76 weeks after the Back to the Beginning show[8]. His passing marked the end of an era in the world of heavy metal.
References: 1. Rolling Stone 2. Burrn! Magazine 3. Metal Hammer 4. Loudwire 5. Billboard 6. Classic Rock 7. Blabbermouth 8. CNN
- Despite being a key influential artist and known for his Ibanez guitar technique, Megadeth's leader, David Mustaine, reached out to the organizers but was unsuccessful in securing a spot for their entertainment at the Black Sabbath farewell concert, "Back to the Beginning."
- Despite Megadeth's absence from the lineup, the music world still came out in full force to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne's life and legacy, with numerous bands such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Slayer performing at the concert.
- Megadeth, known for their unique fusion of heavy metal technique and music, would have undoubtedly added to the amp-roaring, guitar-burning energy of "Back to the Beginning," but their exclusion from the concert highlighted the event's focus on original Black Sabbath members and bands that paid direct tribute to Black Sabbath’s legacy.
