Sammy Hagar is set to join a host of rock legends at Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, on July 5 in Birmingham, U.K. The star-studded event will mark Osbourne’s final solo performance and a last reunion of the original Black Sabbath members for a special set. Hagar, alongside numerous other artists, will pay tribute to the Metal Madman and the iconic band.
In a recent interview on the Loudwire Nights podcast, Hagar revealed that he will perform Ozzy Osbourne’s 1981 hit Flying High Again at the concert. He also hinted at possibly singing one or two more tracks.
Hagar initially chose Osbourne’s 1991 song No More Tears for the performance when asked by Tom Morello, the concert’s music director. However, plans changed when Morello informed Hagar that Osbourne wanted to sing No More Tears himself. “I said, ‘Okay, Flying High Again’,” Hagar explained, and Morello confirmed the choice.
If Osbourne changes his mind about performing No More Tears, Hagar is open to singing it himself. Hagar also shared that he’s considering performing a song from his early band Montrose, Rock Candy, during the event, since Montrose and Black Sabbath share a similar musical era.
Hagar Excited to Join Back to the Beginning Show
Hagar expressed how honored he felt to be among the first artists invited to participate in the concert. When Morello reached out, Hagar quickly agreed to join without hesitation. “He didn’t even have to say what. ‘Would you be interested?’ ‘Yes, Tom. I’m in, all in,’” Hagar recalled.
He also mentioned that his recent performance at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, where Osbourne was inducted as a solo artist, might have contributed to the invitation. “I think I was just fresh on their mind,” Hagar said. “Other than that, I don’t sing like Ozzy. I’m a different kind of singer.”
To prepare for his set, Hagar has been studying Osbourne’s unique vocal style, admitting, “I’m listening to f—ing Ozzy until [July 5]. I got to learn his phrasing. His melodic structures are so unique.”
Related Topics
