Tony Iommi Reveals Why Black Sabbath Is Still Nervous For Final Show
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 farewell is more than just the end of a legendary career—it’s a homecoming. On July 5, the original lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward will reunite onstage at Villa Park in Birmingham for one last performance together. The band hasn’t played with all four original members in two decades, making this an emotional and historic night.
Despite their vast experience and countless sold-out shows, guitarist Tony Iommi admitted that nerves are running high. “We’ve played to 300,000 people,” he told the BBC, “but this is nerve-racking.” There’s something different about performing in their hometown, surrounded by friends, fans, and musical peers from across the heavy metal world.
This show isn’t just another concert—it’s a celebration, a goodbye, and a moment of reflection all rolled into one. With so much history behind them and a legacy that helped define an entire genre, it’s no surprise the band feels the pressure. They know what this night means, not just to them, but to generations of fans.
Coming Full Circle
Returning to their roots for the finale gives the show a deeper emotional weight. Playing Birmingham—where it all began—adds a layer of sentimentality and symbolism that would be hard to match anywhere else. It’s not just the location; it’s the culmination of decades of music, trials, triumphs, and brotherhood.
The magnitude of the event only heightens the stakes. Sharing the bill with metal giants like Metallica, Slayer, Tool, and Guns N’ Roses transforms the night into a festival of titans. But this isn’t about competition—it’s a passing of the torch. Sabbath opened the door for all of them, and now, they get to close it on their own terms.
It also marks the final time Ozzy Osbourne will perform live. Though health issues limit him to just four songs, Iommi assures fans that Ozzy’s voice is still strong. His presence, even in a limited role, is symbolic. It wouldn’t be a true Black Sabbath farewell without him standing onstage beside his bandmates one last time.
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Legacy, Nerves, and Gratitude
What makes this farewell show so nerve-wracking isn’t fear of failure—it’s the desire to honor everything they’ve built. After all, Black Sabbath isn’t just a band. They’re the architects of heavy metal, and the weight of that legacy is a lot to carry, even for veterans of their caliber.
For Iommi and the rest, the nerves come from the emotional intensity of the moment. They’re saying goodbye to fans, to each other, and to the stage that shaped their lives. The band members are fully aware that this night will live in the memories of everyone attending, which only amplifies the pressure to make it unforgettable.
Still, through the nerves and nostalgia, there’s a deep sense of gratitude. “We’re all looking forward to it,” Iommi said, “and all nervous as well, which is very unusual.” That mixture of anticipation and vulnerability is what makes this final bow feel genuine. Black Sabbath may be ending their journey, but they’re doing so with the same heart and spirit that started it all.
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