Inside Ozzy Osbourne Final Show: Halestorm Shares Backstage

The Backstage Atmosphere: No Egos Allowed

When Halestorm arrived for rehearsals at the Ozzy Osbourne final show, they discovered something extraordinary. The atmosphere was filled with childlike excitement rather than typical rock star posturing. Lzzy Hale describes the scene as “giddy” during preparations for what would become metal’s most historic farewell.

“You’re hanging out with Steven Tyler,” Hale recalls in a recent Guitar World interview. James Hetfield was there alongside Tom Morello and Axl Rose. Despite the legendary status of everyone present, something remarkable happened. “Everybody was the same. No head was higher,” she emphasizes.

This equality among titans of classic rock created a unique collaborative environment. The Pennsylvania hard rock band witnessed rock royalty treating each other as peers. This camaraderie extended throughout the entire Back To The Beginning event. It was a testament to Ozzy’s unifying influence on the music world.

A Historic Gathering of Rock Legends

The July 5th event at Villa Park in Birmingham represented more than just a concert. It was a celebration of heavy metal’s founding father. Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Slayer, Gojira, and Mastodon all performed. The lineup read like a who’s who of classic rock artists.

For the first time since 2005, the entire original Black Sabbath lineup reunited on stage. Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward joined Ozzy for what would be their final performance together. The event took place just 17 days before Ozzy’s passing on July 22nd.

Musical director Tom Morello assembled two supergroups for the occasion. The all-day show lasted 10 hours, featuring performances by both established and emerging artists. Everyone came together to honor the Prince of Darkness and his monumental contribution to music.

Halestorm’s Performance at the Final Show

Halestorm played three powerful songs at the Ozzy Osbourne final show. They opened with their Grammy-winning hit “Love Bites (So Do I).” This was followed by “Rain Your Blood On Me” from their then-upcoming album Everest. For their finale, they delivered a scorching cover of Ozzy’s “Perry Mason.”

Interestingly, “Perry Mason” wasn’t their original choice. They had prepared “A National Acrobat” from Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. However, Tom Morello informed them that Metallica might perform that song. “Morello was like, ‘Hey, you can’t do that,'” guitarist Joe Hottinger recalls.

The switch worked perfectly. “Perry Mason” from Ozzy’s 1995 album Ozzmosis resonated with the crowd. “When we came up listening to rock ‘n’ roll in the ’90s, Ozzmosis was out,” Hottinger explains. “That song was the one on the radio.” Their performance earned standing ovations from both fans and fellow musicians.

Later in the show, Lzzy Hale joined the supergroup alongside Nuno Bettencourt and Jake E. Lee. She performed “The Ultimate Sin,” adding another layer to her historic participation. Her powerful vocals complemented the all-star lineup perfectly.

The Magic of Rehearsal Day

The day before the Ozzy Osbourne final show brought together an unprecedented gathering of musicians. Rehearsals at Villa Park felt more like a celebration than a standard soundcheck. The energy was electric as classic rock legends prepared for their performances.

Hale met Steven Tyler for the first time during these preparations. She also had memorable conversations with Axl Rose, who apparently was impressed by her presence. “Apparently Axl Rose was very impressed by my paparazzi,” she laughs. “We had a funny moment.”

Tony Iommi stood out as particularly gracious. Hale describes him as “a gem of a human.” The Black Sabbath guitarist’s warmth helped create the inclusive atmosphere. His humility set the tone for everyone else, reinforcing that no ego was too big.

Sharon Osbourne made time to connect with the performers. Lzzy spent quality moments with Ozzy’s wife and manager. “She’s so incredibly sweet,” Hale remembers. These personal interactions made the experience even more meaningful for the Pennsylvania rockers.

An Emotional Finale: Watching from the Crowd

After their performance, Halestorm watched Ozzy’s final set from a special platform in the crowd. They stood alongside the Osbourne family and other band members. This vantage point provided an intimate view of music history unfolding before their eyes.

“We were out in the middle of the crowd,” guitarist Joe Hottinger describes. The Osbournes were behind them surrounded by other performers. “And it was emotional. You watched it: Ozzy singing ‘Mama, I’m Coming Home’, and he was home. Everyone was crying.”

Despite his health challenges, Ozzy’s performance radiated pure joy. He sang from a bat-embellished throne but his spirit soared. His vocals still carried the power that made him a legend. The crowd’s energy lifted him even higher as they sang along to every word.

The reunion with Black Sabbath created an unforgettable moment. When Tony Iommi’s guitar kicked in for “War Pigs,” the roar was deafening. This was the culmination of over 50 years of groundbreaking music and influence.

Lzzy Hale: The Only Woman on the Bill

Among the star-studded lineup, Lzzy Hale held a unique distinction at the Ozzy Osbourne final show. She was the only woman to perform on the entire bill. This fact generated some controversy when the lineup was announced in February.

However, Hale viewed this as an honor rather than a burden. “It’s not my first rodeo being the only girl in any situation,” she admits. She focused on representing female metalheads everywhere. During her set, she acknowledged all the women in the crowd.

“Looking out at all of these girls who love heavy metal the same way I do,” she reflects. Seeing their faces made the moment even more powerful. “You see so many of them relieved that there’s somebody there.” Her presence validated countless female classic rock fans.

Hale described carrying her female peers “in spirit” during the performance. This responsibility drove her to deliver an even more powerful show. Her fearless performance proved that women belong on metal’s biggest stages. She earned respect from every legend present that day.

The Legacy and Impact of the Show

The Ozzy Osbourne final show represented more than a farewell concert. It was a celebration of heavy metal’s origins and evolution. The event raised £140 million for three charities including Cure Parkinson’s and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

For Halestorm, participating in this historic classic rock news event proved transformative. “We’re so grateful to have been there,” Lzzy Hale told Eddie Trunk. “But at the same time it’s so sad to see one of the greats go.” The bittersweet nature of the show lingered with everyone involved.

The concert showcased how Black Sabbath’s influence spans generations. From Mastodon to Tool to Halestorm, every band paid homage to metal’s pioneers. This continuity demonstrated that Ozzy’s legacy will endure forever through the music he inspired.

Looking back, the show’s significance grows even larger. It marked the final performance of one of music’s true originals. Halestorm’s perspective offers intimate insight into what made this gathering so special. Their experience backstage revealed the human side of rock’s biggest legends.

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