Why This Iconic ’90s Band Skipped Ozzy Osbourne’s Black Sabbath Farewell Show
When Black Sabbath played their final show with Ozzy Osbourne at the helm, fans expected a historic sendoff — a night to honor the pioneers of heavy metal and their legacy. The farewell concert, held in 2017 in the band’s hometown of Birmingham, was a momentous occasion. But as the guest list filled with rock royalty, one notable absence left fans scratching their heads: an iconic ’90s band, once hailed as the future of metal, was nowhere to be seen.
Now, years later, the band has finally explained why they skipped the legendary farewell — and the reason may surprise you.
In a recent interview, members of the ’90s-era heavy rock outfit (whose name had long been linked with Sabbath’s legacy) revealed the decision came down to respect — and a bit of discomfort.
“We were invited,” the frontman confirmed. “It wasn’t like we weren’t welcome. But we felt like it wasn’t our place to be there.”
While fans had speculated everything from scheduling conflicts to personal tensions, the band made it clear there was no drama. Instead, they saw the farewell show as something sacred — a closing chapter meant for Sabbath and their most intimate circle.
“Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and the fans — that night belonged to them,” the band’s guitarist explained. “We didn’t want to take up space on a stage where the focus should’ve been 100% on the guys who built it from the ground up.”
The decision wasn’t made lightly. Like countless musicians of their generation, the band grew up worshipping Black Sabbath. Their riffs, stage presence, and lyrical themes were steeped in Sabbath’s influence.
“Without Sabbath, there’s no us,” the singer admitted. “We owe everything to them. That’s why we stayed home. Sometimes honoring your heroes means knowing when not to step in their spotlight.”
The band also hinted at feeling “emotionally unprepared” to witness the end of something that shaped their own musical identity. “It felt too final,” one member said. “We weren’t ready to say goodbye.”
Though they skipped the show, the band sent a private message to Ozzy and the rest of Black Sabbath before the concert — a gesture of gratitude and respect.
In an industry often marked by ego and appearances, their absence wasn’t about distance — it was about reverence. In stepping back, they paid tribute in a quieter, perhaps even more meaningful way
As fans continue to relive the final Black Sabbath show through recordings and memories, the absence of this ’90s powerhouse now feels less like a snub — and more like a salute.
