Megadeth didn't get an invite to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's farewell performance, according to James LoMenzo.
Ozzy Osbourne's Final Concert "Back to the Beginning": Megadeth's Absence Explained
On a somber note, the music world bids farewell to legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76 weeks after his final concert, "Back to the Beginning." This historic event took place on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, and featured a star-studded lineup, except for one notable absence: Megadeth.
The concert, a benefit event, brought together Black Sabbath's original lineup, Ozzy Osbourne's solo band, and an impressive roster of supporting acts such as Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Slayer, Tool, and Pantera. However, Megadeth was not among the performers or tributes, and no explanation for their absence was given in the available sources.
James LoMenzo, Megadeth's bassist, discussed this in an interview with Japan's Burrn! magazine. He revealed that he had known about the "Back to the Beginning" concert months in advance due to his recording sessions with Sabbath drummer Bill Ward. Despite Megadeth's willingness to stay over for a few days to work out a potential performance, it did not happen.
LoMenzo also mentioned that Megadeth's frontman, David Mustaine, reached out to the concert organizers to see if they could participate, but it didn't work out. The specifics of these attempts to negotiate Megadeth's participation in the concert remain unknown.
Bill Ward, who hinted that Black Sabbath might perform their final show, spoke frequently with Ozzy Osbourne due to Ozzy's health concerns at the time. Despite Ward's awareness of the upcoming event, no one from Megadeth was invited to participate in any capacity at the "Back to the Beginning" concert.
Following Ozzy Osbourne's passing, the music world paid tribute to his life and legacy. Despite David Mustaine's efforts to negotiate a performance, Megadeth was not included in the concert. James LoMenzo does not view Megadeth's omission from the concert as controversy, as they were not invited.
[1] Source: [Link to Source 1] [2] Source: [Link to Source 2] [3] Source: [Link to Source 3] [4] Source: [Link to Source 4] [5] Source: [Link to Source 5]
[1] Despite Megadeth's willingness to perform at Ozzy Osbourne's final concert, "Back to the Beginning," they were not among the performers or tributes.
[2] James LoMenzo, Megadeth's bassist, revealed he had known about the concert months in advance, due to recording sessions with Sabbath drummer Bill Ward.
[3] David Mustaine, Megadeth's frontman, reportedly reached out to the concert organizers to negotiate a performance, but it did not come to fruition.
[4] Bill Ward, aware of the concert due to Ozzy Osbourne's health concerns, shared that no one from Megadeth was invited to participate in any capacity at the "Back to the Beginning" concert.
