Tony Iommi is embracing the imperfections of time as he reflects on Black Sabbath’s highly anticipated reunion at the Back to the Beginning benefit concert. In a new interview with Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, Iommi candidly addressed the performance by the legendary lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward, Geezer Butler, and himself—marking a rare onstage reunion.
“I’m a bit of a perfectionist,” Iommi admitted, “but we’re all in our seventies. You can only expect so much. They did what they could do, and the audience accepted that. We played as we are now.”
Despite his concerns about Ozzy performing a solo set just before the Sabbath reunion, Iommi praised his stamina and spirit. “I didn’t think he should do it, but he did—and he handled it well.”
The band rehearsed seven songs but ultimately played four classics: “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “N.I.B.,” and “Paranoid.” For Bill Ward, it was a particularly challenging return after years away from touring.
“Playing with Bill again after 20 years was unpredictable, but it worked,” said Iommi.
Tom Morello, who directed the music for the event, called it “a labor of love,” praising the tribute as a powerful moment for heavy metal and fans alike.
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