Tony Iommi Reveals The Songs They Rehearsed But Didn’t Play
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath performs at Ozzfest 2016 at San Manuel Amphitheater on September 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for ABA)
Black Sabbath’s performance at the Back To The Beginning show marked a significant moment in rock history. Fans were eager to witness the partial reunion of the original lineup, especially with Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward joining Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler on stage. Despite their age and time apart, the band delivered a memorable set that stirred both nostalgia and admiration.
Tony Iommi, speaking to SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation, gave an honest reflection on the event. A self-confessed perfectionist, Iommi acknowledged that expectations had to be tempered due to age and health concerns. Still, he praised his bandmates for giving it their best and believed fans appreciated the spirit of the reunion over technical perfection.
For many, just seeing the original members back on stage was enough. The four-song setlist—War Pigs, Iron Man, N.I.B., and Paranoid—captured the essence of Sabbath. However, Iommi revealed that more songs had been rehearsed but ultimately left out of the final performance.
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The Limitations of Time and Energy
One major factor in the shortened setlist was Ozzy Osbourne’s solo performance earlier in the evening. Iommi expressed concerns that doing two sets back-to-back might exhaust the frontman. Though he had advised Ozzy against it, the Prince of Darkness insisted on going forward with his own set before reuniting with Sabbath.
According to Iommi, the band had initially worked out a longer list of songs to perform together. They rehearsed six or seven tracks, including fan favorites like Black Sabbath and Fairies Wear Boots. But the final decision came down to how long Ozzy could physically perform, and they chose to limit the set to four iconic songs.
Despite the reduced runtime, the band made each moment count. The crowd responded enthusiastically, and Iommi felt that everyone understood the circumstances. Rather than risking burnout or diminished quality, Sabbath opted for a tighter, high-impact performance.
Reuniting With Bill Ward After 20 Years
Another challenge was reuniting with drummer Bill Ward, who hadn’t performed with the band live in over two decades. Iommi admitted there was some anxiety about how it would turn out, especially since Ward is known for improvising his drum parts differently each time. That unpredictability added a layer of excitement—and tension—to the rehearsals.
While Geezer Butler and Iommi had stayed musically active and toured more recently, Ward had been away from the stage for quite a while. This gap presented a challenge in syncing up, especially on songs that require tight coordination. Still, Iommi praised Ward’s effort and willingness to step back into the fold, even under pressure.
In the end, the chemistry and legacy of the original members prevailed. There may have been nerves behind the scenes, but on stage, the band came together with the energy and raw power that defined Black Sabbath from the beginning. It was a reminder of the magic they still held, even if only for four songs.
A Tribute Beyond the Performance
Beyond the music, the Back To The Beginning show was a celebration of heavy metal’s enduring legacy. Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine played a significant role in bringing the event to life, serving as the music director. He expressed his gratitude to Ozzy for the opportunity and called the experience a “labour of love.”
Morello highlighted how the show raised significant funds for a worthy cause, uniting fans and artists from across the globe in tribute to the genre’s pioneers. His involvement ensured that the production honored Sabbath’s monumental influence while introducing their legacy to a new generation.
For Tony Iommi and the rest of Black Sabbath, the night was more than just a gig—it was a farewell, a tribute, and a celebration rolled into one. While fans may wonder about the songs that didn’t make the setlist, the impact of the ones that did was unforgettable.
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