Geezer Butler's Nightmares and Palpitations Before Black Sabbath's Farewell Show

Geezer Butler is experiencing “nightmares” and “palpitations” as he prepares for Black Sabbath’s farewell show this summer.

Geezer Butler's Nerves

Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler has opened up about his feelings of anxiety as the band's long-awaited farewell show approaches. The iconic metal group will take the stage for their last performance at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5. With the original lineup—including frontman Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward—reuniting for the first time in two decades, the pressure is on for Butler.

In a candid interview, Butler shared his struggle with nerves, saying, “I’m already having palpitations. In fact, I had a nightmare last night.” He vividly described the dream as one where everything went wrong on stage, expressing a deep desire to leave a memorable impression for their fans. “It’s important that we leave a great impression, since it’s the final time that people will experience us live. So it has to be great on the night.”

The Final Show Details

As the highly anticipated date nears, excitement and anxiety intertwine for the legendary band. Butler emphasized the significance of the farewell show, and how it feels to be preparing for such a monumental event. The band previously announced their last concert at Villa Park, a venue close to their hearts, marking a major milestone in rock history.

Ozzy Osbourne's Health Challenges

In the same interview, the legendary Ozzy Osbourne also expressed his own concerns about the gig, given his ongoing health issues. The singer struggled with major health complications after a fall in 2019 that aggravated an existing spinal injury, leading to several surgeries. Moreover, he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which has affected his mobility significantly.

“I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can,” Osbourne stated, showcasing his determination despite the physical limitations. He continued, “I’m used to doing two hours on stage, jumping and running around. I don’t think I’ll be doing much jumping or running around this time. I may be sitting down.” Osbourne aims to deliver a glimpse of their classic sound, hinting at a more subdued performance, “We’re only playing a couple of songs each. I don’t want people thinking ‘We’re getting ripped off,’ because it’s just going to be a sample.”

Star-Studded Lineup for the Farewell Concert

The farewell concert will not only feature Black Sabbath but also an impressive lineup of rock giants. Former Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello will serve as Music Director, while other notable acts like Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera are set to make appearances. The star-studded event will be a celebration of rock music, highlighting its rich legacy.

The excitement continues to grow as more names join the lineup. Recently, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and surviving members of Soundgarden will also be part of this monumental farewell event.

Charitable Causes and Legacy

In addition to providing an unforgettable evening of music, the concert will benefit three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice. Notably, Acorns is supported by Aston Villa Football Club, tying local charities into the event's significance.

“This will do him good, to do this show. It really will. That’s what it’s all about: he wants to get out and do something,” said Iommi about Osbourne's participation.

As the days count down to the final performance, both fans and band members alike feel a mix of nostalgia and anticipation.

FAQs

• What date is Black Sabbath's farewell show?
  The farewell show will take place on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham.
• Who will perform at the farewell concert?
  The concert will feature the original Black Sabbath lineup along with notable guests like Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera.
• What charities will benefit from the concert?
  Proceeds from the concert will support Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
• What challenges has Ozzy Osbourne faced recently?
  Ozzy has dealt with several health issues, including Parkinson's disease and complications from a fall in 2019.
• How is Geezer Butler feeling about the upcoming performance?
  Butler has expressed feelings of anxiety, experiencing “nightmares” and “palpitations” as the farewell date approaches.

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