A close to sellout crowd reveled in an old-school metal nirvana of reunited Black Sabbath founders Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tommy Iommi and writer/bassist Geezer Butler. In what might be the band’s last visit to Canada, they certainly didn’t disappoint. As the curtain went up and the first notes of Black Sabbath’s doom-fueled classic “War Pigs” blasted through the Rogers Center fans rose to their feet pumping their fists in the air with the band’s signature heavy metal salute.
Abbotsford Photographer Darryl Andrews was there for Today Media and brought us back some excellent photos. All photos copyright Darryl Andrews)
After jumping and furiously head-banging his way through “Into the Void,” the 64-year-old Osborne dumped a bottle of water over his head and took in the crowd with wide eyes and a maniacal smile.
“Let me see your hands!”
“I can’t fucking hear you!”
Classic Prince of Darkness!
Black Sabbath guitarist Tommy Iommi. Photo by Darryl Andrews.
The Wizard of OZZ prowled the stage with the energy, if not the stature, of a younger man. The few days’ rest from the last show no doubt aided the f-bomb-dropping grandpa, as his voice was filled with gusto!
Butler and riff-master Iommi both sounded great as did Rob Zombie drummer, Tommy Clufetos who pounded the drum skins into submission.
Iommi, whose recent cancer treatment has created perhaps finality to touring of the band, put on a particularly impressive display of guitar work, showing no signs of having lost a step.
Gone are the days when a Black Sabbath concert would draw religious protesters upset over the group’s perceived Satanism. Fans with children could be spotted throughout the arena.
It was a night of macabre magic. Five Stars out of Five if you are a Sabbath fan.
Black Sabbath not your slice of music? Live Nation and Rogers Arena have scheduled some huge heavy weights to fill out the calendar year. Upcoming shows include: The Eagles September 6, Drake September 27, Pink October 21, & Beyonce November 30.
Select tickets for all shows are available at ticketmaster.ca
