As Black Sabbath prepares for what’s being billed as their final performance on July 5 in Birmingham, England, the original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—have shared their personal reflections on how they’d like the band to be remembered….
**Ozzy Osbourne:**
Ozzy Osbourne, the charismatic frontman whose distinctive voice and larger-than-life personality helped define the band’s identity, reflects on the emotional weight of this farewell. “I want people to remember Black Sabbath as a band that wasn’t afraid to push boundaries,” he says, voice tinged with both pride and nostalgia. “We started out as a bunch of kids from Birmingham who just loved playing loud, dark, and heavy music. We didn’t set out to change the world, but that’s exactly what we did. I hope folks see us as the trailblazers who dared to be different, who made music that reflected the fears, struggles, and hopes of a generation. I want our fans to know that we gave everything we had, and that our music was honest and from the heart.”
Ozzy emphasizes the importance of authenticity, recalling the band’s humble beginnings and their relentless pursuit of artistic expression. “We faced a lot of criticism and misunderstanding along the way, but we stayed true to ourselves. That’s what I want our legacy to be—honest, raw, and fearless music that stood the test of time.”
**Tony Iommi:**
Guitarist Tony Iommi, often hailed as the architect of heavy metal’s signature riffs, speaks with a sense of quiet reflection. “For me, Black Sabbath is about creating a sound that was dark yet beautiful, heavy yet expressive,” he shares. “We didn’t just make music; we created a new genre. I want people to remember us as pioneers—people who dared to explore the darker sides of human emotion and crafted soundscapes that resonated deeply with listeners.”
Iommi acknowledges the band’s impact on the musical landscape but also emphasizes the importance of their influence beyond just sound. “We inspired countless musicians to be brave and experimental. Our songs were honest reflections of our times—fear, anger, hope, despair. If we’ve left a mark on the world, it’s that music can be a powerful force for expression and connection.”
He also expresses gratitude for the journey. “It’s been a wild ride, full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I want our legacy to be that we stayed true to our vision and that our music continues to inspire new generations.”
**Geezer Butler:**
Bassist Geezer Butler, often considered the philosophical core of the band, approaches the farewell with a thoughtful perspective. “Black Sabbath was always about more than just music,” he says. “It was about expressing the feelings and fears that many people had but couldn’t always put into words. We tapped into something universal—the darkness and the light within all of us.”
Butler hopes that their work will be remembered as a reflection of societal and personal struggles. “Our lyrics explored themes of war, addiction, mortality, and the supernatural. I want people to see us as storytellers who used heavy riffs and dark lyrics to tell honest stories. If we helped people confront their fears or find solace in our music, then we’ve achieved something meaningful.”
He also reflects on the camaraderie and resilience that defined the band. “We faced many challenges, but we never gave up. Our friendship and shared passion carried us through the years. I want our legacy to be about perseverance, creativity, and the power of music to unite people.”
**Bill Ward:**
Drummer Bill Ward, whose rhythmic foundation helped shape the band’s iconic sound, shares a heartfelt message. “Black Sabbath was about more than just the music—it was about a shared vision and a bond that transcended individual egos,” he states. “We created something that was bigger than any of us, something that spoke to the raw, primal parts of human nature.”
Ward hopes their influence endures beyond the stage. “I want people to remember us as musicians who played with passion and integrity. We weren’t perfect, but we were genuine. Our music captured a sense of rebellion and introspection that still resonates today. I hope our legacy is that we inspired others to be authentic and fearless in their own creative pursuits.”
He also expresses gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. “Without them, none of this would have been possible. Their love and loyalty pushed us to keep going, even when things got tough. I want our fans to know that they’ve been a vital part of our journey—and that we’re grateful for every moment.”
**Collective Reflection:**
As they prepare to step away from the stage for the final time, the members of Black Sabbath share a collective sense of pride and fulfillment. Their reflections underscore a shared understanding that their influence extends beyond music—shaping a cultural movement and inspiring countless artists and fans worldwide.
Their legacy is not just in the heavy riffs, dark lyrics, or pioneering sound, but in their fearless pursuit of artistic authenticity and their ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. They hope that future generations will see Black Sabbath as a band that dared to challenge norms, explore the depths of human emotion, and remain true to their artistic vision.
