Jake E. Lee has opened up about his song choice for Ozzy Osbourne’s final Black Sabbath concert. He revealed concerns about his physical ability to perform fan expectations in an interview with Guitar World.
The guitarist addressed speculation about which song he would perform. He acknowledged the challenges posed by his current health condition.
“I know people are expecting ‘Bark at the Moon,’ but I don’t know,” Lee said. “Right now, with my wrist, the arthritis and everything, that would be very challenging.”
Lee remains committed to preparing for the performance despite the physical limitations.
“I have a couple of months to get up to it, so I’ll practice it just in case that’s the one,” he continued. “But that’s going to be pretty challenging for me physically.”
The former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist has identified an alternative song choice that better suits his current capabilities.
“I’m shooting for ‘Ultimate Sin’ [the title track from his second and final Ozzy album],” Lee explained. “It’s heavy, and I like the solo in it.”
Lee’s appearance at this historic event represents a significant moment in heavy metal history. The concert promises to bring together multiple generations of metal musicians.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that this performance will be part of the “Back to the Beginning” concert on July 5 at Birmingham’s Villa Park. The event promises to be a monumental occasion featuring a full reunion of Black Sabbath’s original lineup for the first time in nearly 20 years. The event has been positioned as Ozzy’s farewell performance with the band that launched his legendary career.
The concert lineup extends far beyond Black Sabbath’s core members. It creates what many consider a celebration of Ozzy’s entire musical legacy. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that the event will include a diverse lineup of bands and musicians, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and many others. This makes it a comprehensive tribute to the Prince of Darkness’s influence on heavy metal.
The significance of this final performance has generated unprecedented fan interest and media attention. American Songwriter highlighted that the event has garnered significant attention, with tickets selling out quickly. This led to the sale of passes for fans to stream the event, ensuring that Ozzy’s final performance reaches a wide audience worldwide.
Lee’s participation in this farewell concert holds particular weight given his crucial role in Ozzy’s solo career during the 1980s. His guitar work on albums like “Bark at the Moon” and “The Ultimate Sin” helped define Ozzy’s sound during a pivotal period. This makes his presence at this final Black Sabbath performance both symbolic and musically significant for fans spanning multiple decades of metal history.
