Tony Iommi responds to Ozzy Osbourneâs plea to play one final Black Sabbath show
Tony Iommi has responded to Ozzy Osbourne‘s recent plea to play one final Black Sabbath show.
- READ MORE:Â Ozzy Osbourne: a rockânâroll showman like no other
Earlier this month, the frontman admitted he would “jump at the chance” to play a final Black Sabbath show with drummer Bill Ward. He dropped out of their planned reunion in 2012 citing an “unreasonable contract”. So far, Ward has not responded to Osbourne’s plea.
However, Iommi has weighed in on the potential reunion, speaking on SiriusXM radio programme Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk. The guitarist said although âeverybodyâ would suggest the band would only reunite for the money, he claimed it âwouldnât beâ the case, adding: âThatâd be a nice thing to actually do, but whether it happens will be another thing. But weâll see. I mean, who knows?â
However, Iommi did clarify he wouldn’t commit to any lengthy tours, reasoning:Â âI have to look at it realistically at my age. I canât go out and do a two-year tour like we were doing before. And to put something together like the original Sabbath or this or that or the other, youâve gotta do it a long time because of the cost of everything.â
He concluded:Â âBut it would be nice to do a one-off, if that ever happens.â
At the beginning of the year, Sharon Osbourne â Ozzyâs wife and manager â revealed that Osbourne was planning âtwo more shows to say goodbyeâ before he fully retires from performing live.
âHe wonât tour again but we are planning on doing two more shows to say goodbye as he feels like, âI have never said goodbye to my fans and I want to say goodbyeâ,â she told journalist Jane Moore (via Music News).
Sharon continued: âHis voice is still absolutely perfect. And all the time he has been off he still does his singing lessons. Even if you donât like his music, you canât not like Ozzy.â
The Prince of Darkness announced his retirement from touring last February, calling off his scheduled European and UK tour dates in the process. In November, he said he might have to “accept the fact” he may never perform again due to his ongoing health issues including Parkinsonâs disease and a recovery from multiple surgeries.
âIâm taking it one day at a time, and if I can perform again, I will,â he told Rolling Stone UK at the time. âBut itâs been like saying farewell to the best relationship of my life.
âAt the start of my illness, when I stopped touring, I was really pissed off with myself, the doctors, and the world. But as time has gone on, Iâve just gone, âWell, maybe Iâve just got to accept that fact.’â
Meanwhile, Iommi recently teamed up with System of a Down’s Serj Tankian for a collaboration, with all proceeds going to Armenia Fundâs Artsakh Refugee Initiative.
Tankian, who is of Armenian heritage, said: âItâs a dream come true to have collaborated with my good friend, Cesar Gueikian, and Tony Iommi, who I have collaborated with before. I am happy that we are using our platform to donate the music, my art, and Gibsonâs incredibly unique guitar for such a great charity. Music with the right intentions can inspire and also create positive change.â
In other news, Ozzy Osbourne has said he wants to win an Oscar.