Ozzy Osbourne rules out playing another Black Sabbath concert
He doesn't have "the slightest interest"
Last updated 6th Aug 2021
Ozzy Osbourne has categorically quashed the idea of performing with Black Sabbath once again.
In a fresh interview with Rolling Stone to promote the new documentary Biography: The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne, Ozzy was asked if he’s open to the idea of playing with Black Sabbath like Tony Iommi.
Clear-cut in his response, Ozzy replied: “Not for me. It’s done. The only thing I do regret is not doing the last farewell show in Birmingham with (drummer) Bill Ward. I felt really bad about that. It would have been so nice.
“I don’t know what the circumstances behind it were, but it would have been nice. I’ve talked to him a few times, but I don’t have any of the slightest interest in (doing another gig). Maybe Tony’s getting bored now.”
Tony Iommi told Planet Rock before Black Sabbath’s final show in 2017 he wouldn’t rule out further activity from the band.
He explained: “I don’t think we’ve ruled anything out apart from me not wanting to tour any more on that scale, but who knows, we may do something.”
Bill Ward was part of Black Sabbath’s reunion in November 2011 but dropped out three months later over a bitter contract dispute.
The legendary drummer posted a video to Twitter in July 2019 saying he would also be up for a Black Sabbath reunion if it ever happened.
Bill said at the time: “My name is Bill Ward, and I wanted to say that I love Tony (Iommi), Geezer (Butler) and Ozzy (Osbourne) very much. I've loved them for a long time, and I still do.
“And I would be very open-minded to any ideas about playing together in the future. That's it. Love you all. Thanks."
On the eve of his headline Download Festival performance in 2018, Ozzy told ITV he's be up for playing the opening ceremony for Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games in 2022.
“Yeah, that would be fantastic,” Ozzy enthused. “With Black Sabbath or on my own. I’d like to do that. We’re all Brummies after all.”
Tony Iommi later told Birmingham Mail: “I think that it would be a great thing to do to help represent Birmingham. I’m up for it! Let’s see what happens!”
However, several months earlier Geezer Butler said that although he'd be "on board" for a Sabbath reunion, "it's not very likely." He explained: "We went out on a high, and it's best not to drag it out."
Ozzy Osbourne’s No More Tours 2 is still listed as hitting the UK & Ireland this October and November for shows in Newcastle, Glasgow, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin and Nottingham.