Tool initially turned down the chance to perform at Black Sabbath’s farewell show, which is set to take place in July, according to the band’s vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The farewell concert, titled “Back To Beginning,” will honor the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath and their iconic frontman Ozzy Osbourne. The event is scheduled for July 5th at Villa Park in Birmingham, UK.
Keenan first learned about the event during his performance at Osbourne’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year. He recalls the conversation happening while he was with Wolfgang Van Halen and other musicians during the event’s travel. “We were talking about the rumor of the Black Sabbath show, and I thought, ‘Well, let’s do something.’” Keenan had initially planned to perform a song but was later informed that Tool had been invited to play. He was surprised and had to inform Wolfgang and others that he would be joining Tool instead.
Despite the invitation, Keenan expressed his doubts about the possibility of Osbourne performing. “When I saw Ozzy moving around at the event, I wasn’t sure the show would happen at all,” he said. Even after agreeing to perform, Keenan remained cautious. “I’m not sure if it will work out. I’m preparing for the worst but hoping for the best,” he added.
Initially, Keenan had reservations about the performance. “With Tool, nothing is ever easy, so I didn’t think it would happen. But when everyone agreed, I thought, ‘Alright, let’s do it.'”
Keenan also shared the profound influence Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne have had on him. He mentioned that Sabbath’s debut album was a key reason he is now performing. Keenan has previously spoken about how Black Sabbath shaped his musical journey.
Despite his excitement, Keenan expressed concern over Osbourne’s health. Osbourne revealed earlier this year that he was unable to walk without assistance due to multiple injuries and the worsening effects of Parkinson’s disease. This has added an extra layer of uncertainty to the show, but Keenan remains hopeful for Osbourne’s participation.
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