Judas Priest’s Rob Halford ‘Gutted’ to Miss Black Sabbath’s Farewell: A Metal Scheduling Clash
A seismic event is brewing in the metal world as Black Sabbath prepares for their monumental final show, a celebration of Birmingham's metal legacy. However, one name is noticeably absent from the star-studded lineup: Judas Priest. Why is the Metal God Rob Halford missing out on this historic event? The answer, as it turns out, is a scheduling conflict that has left Halford “absolutely gutted.”
The final Black Sabbath show, billed as "Back to the Beginning," promises a head-banging roster of rock legends, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, and many more. But Judas Priest will be across the continent, honoring another metal milestone as they join the Scorpions in Hanover, Germany, for the German band's 60th-anniversary celebration.
In an interview with Metal Hammer, Halford revealed that the scheduling clash came as a complete surprise. "I had no idea it [the Sabbath show] was happening!" he exclaimed. He recounted receiving a call from Sharon Osbourne, who extended an invitation for him to join Ozzy and the band on stage. While deeply honored, Halford recognized the logistical nightmare of trying to juggle two major events on the same day, especially with the risk of technical difficulties or weather delays impacting travel plans.
Sharon Osbourne even proposed a Phil Collins-esque dash, offering to fly Halford back to Birmingham after the Scorpions show. But Halford deemed the idea too risky. "Even with a private plane, there’s a word called ‘technical,’ where something could go wrong, or the weather that time of year could cause problems… I was absolutely gutted," he confessed.
Despite his absence, Halford emphasized that Judas Priest's spirit would be represented by founding guitarist K.K. Downing, who will be attending the Sabbath farewell. Halford shared his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "All my mates are going to be there though, great bands and artists. It’s a wonderful and epic moment for Sabbath and heavy metal – it re-emphasizes that Birmingham is where metal came from."
The Black Sabbath's swan song also marks Ozzy Osbourne's final solo performance, who is pushing himself to deliver his best despite health challenges. "I’ve been lying on my back doing nothing and the first thing to go is your strength. It’s like starting all over again," he said, outlining his rigorous training regimen.
While Halford may be missing, the presence of K.K. Downing and other iconic figures underscores the impact of Black Sabbath on heavy metal. The show will feature a diverse lineup, including members of Limp Bizkit, Smashing Pumpkins, Living Colour, Megadeth, Halestorm, Faith No More, Sleep Token, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ghost, Soundgarden, and Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler.
Despite the disappointment of missing the Black Sabbath finale, Judas Priest fans can catch the band on tour, co-headlining dates with Alice Cooper in Europe and North America. Could a surprise appearance from Halford make the Birmingham show, despite the scheduling conflict?
What are your thoughts on this scheduling clash? Share your predictions and comments below!
