Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo addressed the band’s absence from Black Sabbath’s farewell show in an interview with BURRN! Magazine.
He clarified the situation regarding Megadeth’s notable absence from the ‘Back to the Beginning’ event. His statement dispelled rumors about Sharon Osbourne’s involvement in the decision.
“The truth of the matter is, I don’t believe that anybody asked us, which was fine. Not everybody gets invited to every party,” LoMenzo explained.
He elaborated on their attempts to join the event. “When we were in Europe last week, David said that he was reaching out to everybody and telling them that we were in the neighborhood and that we were close enough to come. And if they wanted us to, we could stay over for a few days and work it out… If they wanted us to.”
LoMenzo addressed public speculation about Megadeth being the only ‘Big Four’ band missing from the lineup. “Even before all of this started, everyone was saying, ‘Well, what about Megadeth?’ It was really funny to read because there was no invite and there was no talking to people, there was actually nothing to do with any of it.”
“It was this exciting situation where we’re celebrating Ozzy [Osbourne] in his retirement… Anyway, the show was amazing! I would have loved to have been there. I knew about the show months and months ago,” he added. “I don’t see it as controversy or anything. I do know that conspicuously we were missing, but nobody was invited.”
The historic farewell concert created a significant milestone in heavy metal history. The event showcased an impressive lineup of legendary performers and special moments.
Reports from Ozzy.com revealed the event’s location at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, on July 5, 2025. The venue held special significance as it stood near Black Sabbath’s original formation site. The stellar lineup featured Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, and Alice In Chains.
Louder Sound documented the rare reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup. Ozzy Osbourne performed select songs from a throne due to his Parkinson’s disease. He was joined by Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward.
Official records showed the event’s remarkable charitable impact. The proceeds reached £140 million. These funds supported Acorns Children’s Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Cure Parkinson’s.
Music Director Tom Morello celebrated it as “the greatest heavy metal show ever.” The event united an unprecedented supergroup of musicians. The collective included Billy Corgan, David Draiman, Duff McKagan, Slash, and numerous other legendary performers celebrating Black Sabbath’s legacy.
