geezer Butler Reflects on Black Sabbath‘s Final Concert & Ozzy Osbourne’s Health Struggles
Black Sabbath’s farewell performance,”The End” concert at Villa Park in Birmingham,remains a monumental event for fans. Now,bassist Geezer Butler has offered a deeply personal look behind the scenes of that show – and the emotional reunion with his bandmates – during a recent appearance on his wife Gloria’s podcast,”Gabbing with Girlfriends.”
Butler candidly discussed the initial considerations surrounding the concert, and, perhaps more poignantly, his surprise at witnessing Ozzy Osbourne‘s diminished health during rehearsals. His insights provide a raw and honest viewpoint on the challenges and triumphs of bringing the legendary band together one last time.
The Decision to Reunite
When approached about performing “Back to the Beginning,” Butler’s primary concern was the well-being of his fellow band members. He knew Ozzy wasn’t at his peak, and drummer Bill Ward had faced health issues.
“I was just wondering how everybody would do,” Butler explained.Fortunately,Tony Iommi was excited,and Butler himself readily agreed,especially given the concert’s location. Villa Park holds a special meaning for him as the home stadium of his beloved Aston villa football club and a place he frequented as a child.
Rehearsal Revelations: Seeing Ozzy’s Condition
The rehearsal process began with Iommi, Ward, and Butler laying down the instrumental foundation for two days. It was the arrival of Ozzy on the third day that truly struck Butler.
He admitted he was aware of Ozzy’s health struggles, but hadn’t fully grasped their severity. “The only shocking bit was when Ozzy came in,” Butler shared. “I knew Ozzy was very ill, but I didn’t realize how ill he was.”
Ozzy required assistance to enter the rehearsal space, and a pleasant armchair was set up so he could sing while seated, as standing for extended periods proved tough. Despite his physical limitations,Butler noted Ozzy maintained his characteristic humor,cracking jokes throughout the process.
Adapting to Limitations & finding the magic
The band realistically assessed their capabilities, rehearsing six to seven songs before narrowing the setlist to four or five. They focused on the tracks that sounded best and felt most comfortable performing, considering the time constraints and Ozzy’s stamina.
Interestingly, Ozzy could only rehearse each song once before needing to rest. “Ozzy could only do it once, could only rehearse, go through the songs one time and then he’d leave and we’d sort of carry on,” Butler explained. Despite these limitations, the familiar chemistry quickly resurfaced. “After that, we fell into the old Sabbath again.”
A Personal Reconciliation
beyond the musical aspects, the “Back to the Beginning” concert held a deeply personal meaning for Butler. He hadn’t seen Ozzy for approximately six years due to a personal falling out between his wife, Gloria, and Sharon Osbourne.
The reconciliation between Gloria and Sharon paved the way for Butler and Ozzy to reconnect. “because you and Sharon had fallen out, I didn’t see ozzy at all for about six years after the last gig,” Butler told Gloria on the podcast.
He described a renewed closeness, filled with daily texts and shared humor. “It was just great to be back together again after all these years. I mean,he’s probably my oldest friend. I’ve known him for 57 years, so it was great to get back together again.”
This reunion underscored the enduring bond forged over decades of shared musical history. The concert wasn’t just a final performance; it was a testament to a lifelong friendship, overcoming personal obstacles to create one last, unforgettable moment for themselves and their fans.
You can listen to the full podcast episode with Geezer Butler here: [LinktoPodcast-[LinktoPodcast-[LinktoPodcast-[LinktoPodcast-Insert Link Here]
Key Takeaways:
* Ozzy Osbourne’s Health: Butler’s account provides a candid look at the challenges Ozzy faced leading up to the final concert.
* Band Dynamics: The rehearsal process highlighted the band’s ability to adapt and rediscover their chemistry despite individual limitations.
* Personal Reconciliation: The concert served as a catalyst for a personal reunion between Butler and Osbourne after a six-year estrangement.
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