Ghost singer Tobias Forge recently shared his personal experience from Black Sabbath’s farewell show. He offered insights into his conversations with the legendary band members, as reported by Louder Sound.
During the farewell event, Forge had the opportunity to meet with each band member.
Forge said, “I spoke to each and every one. The one that I spoke to the least was Ozzy, but he was obviously very courted, and I also felt like there were so many people around me that were not only close and old friends of his, but that worked with him or played with him. I just sort of tapped him on the back, like, ‘Hey, man, happy to be here!’”
He also spoke most extensively with bassist Geezer Butler, whom he described as exceptionally sharp and engaged.
“The one that I met most is Geezer [Butler, bass], and he’s very switched on, like, extremely; he should not retire at all,” Forge said. He emphasized Butler’s vitality despite being 76 years old.
Forge also reflected on his brief encounter with drummer Bill Ward, whom he had never met before. He was struck by Ward’s emotional vulnerability during the farewell. This contrasted sharply with the powerful image he had of the drummer from his childhood.
“Bill [Ward, drums] had been out of the circuit for a little while and I’d never met him, so I went up and introduced myself. He was saying that it was overwhelming for him. He was very vulnerable. I remember seeing interviews with him when I was a kid and he was this gruffy man, hammering drums. He looked like someone’s dad. And now, he’s this little man, standing there with drumsticks, just uncertain as to how to feel about this whole thing. And you know what? That’s beautiful, too,” Forge reflected.
Forge’s observations came during a momentous occasion for rock history. The farewell concert, titled “Back to the Beginning,” took place on July 5, 2025, at Birmingham’s Villa Park. This marked the original lineup’s first performance together since 2005, as noted by Impericon. The event drew 40,000 live fans and over 5 million online viewers, making it a truly global farewell.
The scale of the event underscored the enduring legacy of Black Sabbath. Parade reported that the farewell concert generated approximately $150 million in proceeds. Funds were directed toward charitable causes including Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This made “Back to the Beginning” one of the most successful charity concerts of all time, cementing the band’s final performance as both a musical and philanthropic milestone.
The emotional weight of the reunion was evident in the band members’ demeanor. Full Access Magazine documented that legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for what would be his final performance with the band. He performed before a crowd of 40,000 at Villa Park. The significance of this moment—bringing together the original lineup after two decades—resonated deeply with both the band members and their devoted fanbase worldwide.
Forge’s perspective on the band members’ current state offers a poignant snapshot of where these rock legends stand. His assertion that Geezer Butler should continue performing reflects not only Butler’s physical and mental sharpness but also the bassist’s continued passion for music. Meanwhile, his compassionate observation about Bill Ward’s vulnerability captures the bittersweet nature of farewells. Decades of rock and roll history collide with the very human emotions of aging and closure.
