The announcement had been made, anticipation had been built, and the world was reluctantly ready to wish Black Sabbath a final farewell at this year’s Ozzfest Japan on November 22nd. Well, now you’re going to have to attempt to coerce a refund for those airline tickets, because it ain’t happening.
According to a post on the band’s Facebook page, “Despite previous reports, Black Sabbath will not appear on this year’s Ozzfest Japan, the show will instead feature the festival’s namesake, Ozzy Osbourne (and friends).” We’re going to assume the “and friends” portion of the announcement doesn’t include Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi or bassist Geezer Butler.
It’s unknown at this time what may have caused the progenitors of heavy metal to abruptly pull out of the show. The band has already expressed hopes to record one final record before calling it a day, and with Iommi’s battle with cancer raging on, some logistical concessions may have been necessary.