Ghost frontman Tobias Forge has explained the full band’s absence from Black Sabbath’s farewell show in an interview with Overdrive Youtube Channel.
‘The bands participating on stage playing, like full bands, are generally bands that are on tour at the time,’ Forge said. ‘A lot of the artists that are performing singularly are ones that may not be sort of accessible in full group.’
‘We were one of those, because we are about to start our U.S. tour, like, two days after that,’ he continued. ‘It was impossible for our entire entourage to multitask like that. Especially economically, it was no fucking way. It’s not gonna work.’
‘My job here, my mission, the gift that I’ve been given, which I feel really proud to be part of and being asked to do, is to play with some of the people playing there,’ Forge explained. ‘I guess we’re being put together in makeshift groups to play songs, which is phenomenal.’
This statement emerges alongside major developments for both Ghost and the historic Black Sabbath farewell event.
Hello Rayo reports that Ghost will launch an extensive 55-date global tour in April 2025. The tour includes shows across Manchester, Glasgow, London, and Birmingham. These commitments make a full band appearance particularly challenging.
The farewell show, ‘Back to the Beginning,’ will showcase Black Sabbath’s original lineup. Metal Injection confirms an impressive lineup featuring Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, and Alice in Chains.
Far Out Magazine reveals Ghost’s alternative participation plan. The band’s new frontman, Papa V Perpetua, will make an appearance during the historic celebration.
Jambase highlights the event’s charitable dimension. The proceeds will support multiple organizations including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice. This adds both philanthropic and musical significance to the milestone event.
