Sammy Hagar reveals how many songs Ozzy Osbourne is likely to sing at final Black Sabbath show
Hagar is due to sing Flying High Again from Osbourne’s Diary Of A Madman album.
Image: Kevin Mazur / Getty
Sammy Hagar has shared some details on the final Black Sabbath show, including how many songs Ozzy Osbourne is likely to sing.
The Back To The Beginning show is due to take place on 5 July, with the original Sabbath lineup of Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward reuniting one last time in the band’s home city of Birmingham, UK. The one-day event will also host a number of performances from huge names like Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, Gojira and more. Osbourne himself has already said he will not be participating in a full set due to his health.
Speaking on the Loudwire Nights radio show, Hagar recalls being contacted by Tom Morello, who is serving as the event’s musical director: “When the word started leaking out, Tom Morello calls me and says, ‘Hey man, would you interested,’” Hagar shares. “I went, ‘Yes!’ He didn’t have to say what. Would you be interested? ‘Yes, Tom, I’m all in.’ I was so flattered that I was one of the early guys on.”
In preparation for his participation in the event, Hagar says he’s been “studying” Osbourne and his vocal techniques. The former Van Halen singer goes on to add, “Everybody asks, ‘What do you listen to?’ Him. I’m listening to Ozzy until the 5th. I got to learn his phrasing. His melodic structures are so unique, he’s such a unique singer. I’m so honoured.”
Though most performers heading over to Birmingham for the mighty event have so far remained tight-lipped about what we can expect from the day, Hagar suggests that Osbourne is hoping to perform five songs, including his 1991 track No More Tears.
“I chose to do No More Tears and Tom goes, ‘Oh, that would be great,’ and then he comes back and says, ‘Guess what? Ozzy’s going to try and sing five songs and he wants to sing No More Tears. I said, ‘Okay, Flying High Again’, and he goes, ‘You got it.’ So right now, I’m singing Flying High Again,” he says. “If Ozzy changes his mind, I’ll sing Flying High Again and No More Tears.”
You can find out more information on Back To The Beginning via the Black Sabbath website. Tickets are sold out.
Rachel began writing for Guitar.com in 2021 while finishing up her degree. A proud DIY guitarist, she has been playing for over 10 years and has written for the likes of Kerrang!, The Forty-Five, and MusicTech. An enjoyer of all things heavy, you’ll find her at a festival or downtuning her guitars when away from her desk.