Why Megadeth Missed Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne's Farewell Concert

Curious why Megadeth skipped the legendary Black Sabbath farewell gig? Here’s the full story behind their surprising absence.

The Epic Farewell at Villa Park

On July 5, Black Sabbath held their monumental ‘Back To The Beginning’ farewell concert in their hometown of Birmingham. This event was more than just a concert; it was a historic heavy metal moment charged with emotion, especially after the heartbreaking news that Ozzy Osbourne passed away less than three weeks later at the age of 76.

Black Sabbath's iconic farewell gathering in Birmingham

The concert was a star-studded lineup, featuring the greatest names in rock and metal. Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello took the helm as musical director, while Guns N’ Roses, KoRn, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Metallica, Alice In Chains, Gojira, Anthrax, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler all delivered unforgettable performances.

Megadeth’s Unexpected No-Show

In the sea of legendary acts, one glaring omission was Megadeth. Given their status as one of metal's “Big Four” alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, fans were left wondering why they didn’t appear.

James LoMenzo, Megadeth’s bassist, finally shed some light on the mystery during an interview with Burn! magazine.

“I’m going to let the cat out of the bag,” LoMenzo said. “The truth of the matter is, I don’t believe that anybody asked us, which was fine.”

He added with a shrug, “Not everybody gets invited to every party.”

LoMenzo went on to explain that when Megadeth was touring Europe recently, frontman Dave Mustaine reached out to the other bands involved, letting them know Megadeth was nearby and ready to join if invited. “If they wanted us to, we could stay over for a few days and work it out. . . . If they wanted us to. I don’t know what our manager had accomplished with that, but it didn’t get accomplished, so we just came home.”

A Historic Charity Event

Despite the drama, the show itself was a massive success. It raised over $190 million, making it the highest-grossing charity concert ever. The proceeds went to fantastic causes, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.

A Film Tribute in the Works

Fans eager to relive the magic can look forward to a feature film currently in production by Mercury Studios. Slated for a 2026 cinema release, the 100-minute documentary is described as “a love letter to Ozzy and the pioneering sound of Black Sabbath.”

Tributes Pour In After Ozzy’s Passing

Since Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, the music world has been awash with heartfelt tributes. From the rock legends of Oasis and Judas Priest to Metallica, Elton John, and Alice Cooper, many artists have honored the Prince of Darkness through tribute performances.

Coldplay, Ghost, Gojira, and even Drake have dedicated their shows to Ozzy’s memory, while fans worldwide have shared footage and stories from his final concerts, keeping his legacy alive.

Watch Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” Live at Back To The Beginning, Villa Park, UK 05/07/25

Wrapping Up

While Megadeth’s absence was notable, understanding the background reveals it wasn’t a simple snub but miscommunication and scheduling hurdles. The farewell concert remains a monumental moment in metal history, celebrating both Black Sabbath’s legacy and Ozzy Osbourne’s enduring influence.

FAQs

• Why didn’t Megadeth perform at Black Sabbath’s farewell show? Megadeth was not formally invited, despite Dave Mustaine reaching out to coordinate. Their manager’s efforts didn’t result in an invitation, so they didn’t attend.
• Who performed at the ‘Back To The Beginning’ concert? The lineup included Guns N’ Roses, KoRn, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Metallica, Alice In Chains, Gojira, Anthrax, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, and many more.
• How much money did the farewell concert raise? The event raised over $190 million for charities like Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
• Is there a film about the Black Sabbath farewell gig? Yes, a 100-minute documentary by Mercury Studios is set for release in cinemas in 2026, celebrating Ozzy and Black Sabbath’s legacy.
• How have musicians paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne after his passing? Many artists, including Oasis, Judas Priest, Metallica, Elton John, and Alice Cooper, have dedicated performances and tributes to Ozzy’s memory.

Ready to celebrate your favorite rock legends? Shop your favorite album cover posters today at Architeg Prints and bring iconic music moments into your space.