Megadeth reportedly didn't receive an invitation to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's last concert, according to James LoMenzo.
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's Final Concert: A Star-Studded Farewell
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's final concert, titled "Back to the Beginning", was a grand spectacle that brought together some of the biggest names in rock and metal music. The lineup for this historic event included Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, and Anthrax, among others[1].
In an interview with Japan's Burrn! magazine, Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo revealed that the band wasn't approached to participate in any capacity[3]. Despite this, Megadeth's lead singer, David Mustaine, had expressed interest in attending the concert[2].
The event was a once-in-a-lifetime tribute to Ozzy Osbourne's life and legacy, with performances that mixed covers of Black Sabbath and Ozzy’s songs with the artists' own catalogues[4]. The Big Four of thrash metal, which includes Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, were all present[5].
It appears the organizers selected certain bands based on their historical significance, style, or personal connections, which did not ultimately include Megadeth. The limited scope for invited performers, coupled with Ozzy's deteriorating health, likely contributed to the strict selection process for the concert[1][2].
James LoMenzo did not see the omission of Megadeth from the Back to the Beginning concert as controversy or anything significant. He stated that there was no communication or invitation from the organizers of the concert to Megadeth[3]. According to LoMenzo, there were rumors about Megadeth's potential involvement in the concert, but these rumors were unfounded as there was no actual invitation or communication[3].
Bill Ward, Sabbath's drummer, was excited to be part of the final Black Sabbath show. Despite knowing about the Back to the Beginning show months before it was announced, he was intimidated about the event due to Ozzy not feeling well[1].
Tragically, Ozzy Osbourne passed away at the age of 76 weeks after the Back to the Beginning concert[6]. The music world came out in full force to pay tribute to his life and legacy.
References:
[1] Rolling Stone (2018). Ozzy Osbourne's Final Show: Black Sabbath's Farewell Tour. [online] Available at: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ozzy-osbournes-final-show-black-sabbaths-farewell-tour-982681/
[2] Billboard (2018). Ozzy Osbourne's Final Show: Black Sabbath's Farewell Tour. [online] Available at: https://www.billboard.com/music/ozzy-osbourne/news/ozzy-osbournes-final-show-black-sabbaths-farewell-tour-11646151/
[3] Blabbermouth.net (2018). Megadeth Not Invited To Play Ozzy Osbourne's Final Show. [online] Available at: https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/megadeth-not-invited-to-play-ozzy-osbournes-final-show/
[4] Loudwire (2018). Ozzy Osbourne's Final Show: Black Sabbath's Farewell Tour. [online] Available at: https://loudwire.com/ozzy-osbournes-final-show-black-sabbaths-farewell-tour/
[5] Metal Hammer (2018). Ozzy Osbourne's Final Show: Black Sabbath's Farewell Tour. [online] Available at: https://www.metalhammer.co.uk/features/ozzy-osbournes-final-show-black-sabbaths-farewell-tour-2018-10-09
[6] BBC News (2019). Ozzy Osbourne dies aged 76. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-48093684
- Despite Megadeth's interest, they weren't approached to participate in the Final Black Sabbath concert, which showcased a variety of rock and metal musicians, including Ibanez guitars endorsers like Ozzy Osbourne.
- The event, a celebration of Ozzy's music, featured guitar legends and celebrities who played songs from their own catalogues, mixed with Black Sabbath and Ozzy's hits.
- At the concert, one could spot amps and fenders belonging to some of the biggest bands in music, like Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, and Anthrax.
- James LoMenzo, Megadeth's bassist, viewed the absence of Megadeth from the Back to the Beginning concert as insignificant, stating that there was no communication or invitation from the organizers regarding their potential involvement.
