“I wouldn’t be able to pull it off”: Wolfgang Van Halen backs out of Black Sabbath farewell concert
Wolfgang Van Halen has confirmed he will no longer be taking part in Black Sabbath’s upcoming farewell show in Birmingham due to scheduling conflicts with his own touring commitments.
Set for 5 July at Villa Park, Back to the Beginning marks a monumental – and supposedly final – reunion for Black Sabbath’s original lineup: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.
Billed as their definitive send-off, the event will also feature performances by metal heavyweights like Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, and Gojira.
READ MORE: “My one regret is I can’t say goodbye and thank you for the life I’ve been given”: What Ozzy Osbourne told Sharon which led to Black Sabbath’s final show becoming a reality
Wolfgang Van Halen was among the first names attached to the show earlier this year, leading fans to speculate about a possible guest appearance or collaborative set.
But in a new interview with WRIF Detroit, the Mammoth frontman reveals he’s had to step away from the gig entirely.
“I, unfortunately, had to back out because the Creed tour starts the day after, and I wouldn’t be able to pull it off – unfortunately,” he says. “I’m very excited to watch it, but I unfortunately had to back out.”
Van Halen and his band Mammoth are set to hit the road this summer as part of Creed’s massive Summer of ’99 reunion tour. The North American run also includes stops alongside 3 Doors Down, Daughtry, and Big Wreck.
Despite Van Halen’s absence, the Villa Park show still promises to be a major event for fans – not least because of Ozzy’s return to the stage after a long break due to health issues.
While he won’t be performing a full set, the Prince of Darkness has reportedly been undergoing endurance and weight training (producer Andrew Watt previously described him as “real-life Iron Man”) in preparation for his appearance.
Still, the 76-year-old frontman isn’t sugarcoating the realities of performing at this stage in life.
“I had an appointment in the hospital yesterday,” he recently told MOJO.
“I’ve also got a problem with a trapped nerve in my neck – nine months and it won’t shift. When you get to our age, things just go wrong. We’ll probably keel over after two songs!”
For fans who can’t make it to Villa Park in person, the concert will be available as a pay-per-view livestream for £24.99.
Learn more at backtothebeginning.com.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
