Fact: Black Sabbath are the greatest heavy metal band of all time.
Throughout their immense history, including line-up changes, twisted drug-related stories, bats, Satan and general darkness, Ozzy Osborne and co have delivered some of the heaviest riffs, the greatest/strangest lyrics and generally the best classic metal ever recorded. One of the only bands who can still make good music decades after their heyday, their last album 13 was surprisingly strong – and they’ve announced that they’re in the studio with Rick Rubin, working on their forthcoming final album.
Anyone who has seen them live know full well how strong their live shows still are. But, sadly, all good things must come to an end. And as devastating as this is to say: Black Sabbath have announced their last ever performance.
The original members will be performing one last show together in Japan on November 22 – it will be the headline set at metal event Ozzfest.
While the band were planning a world tour back in 2012, many dates were cancelled following guitarist Tommy Iommi’s cancer diagnosis – but they did eventually play a large tour, including explosive headline sets at Download and Lollapalooza.
Osborne has even invited original drummer Bill Ward to reunite with the group for their final concert. It’s been a long time since Ward performed with Sabbath, following financial disputes with the band.