SOUNDGARDEN Finally Addresses Absence From Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath Farewell Concert

Soundgarden was noticeably absent from Back to the Beginning, the farewell show for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, held on July 5th in Birmingham, England. The concert brought together many of the biggest names in rock and metal, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, and Mastodon.

With a lineup stacked with legendary acts, fans had expected Soundgarden to be part of the historic send-off.

Earlier this year, Sharon Osbourne hinted in an interview with The Guardian that Soundgarden, along with Steven Tyler, had been invited to join the celebration. While Tyler showed up, Soundgarden didn’t make it.

Scheduling problems

On July 13th, Soundgarden finally broke their silence with a public statement posted to their official Instagram page (see below). The post confirmed that the band was invited to the show but had to decline.

“We are super bummed and regret that we were unable to coordinate the schedules of our individual and collective projects to attend and contribute to the festival,” the band wrote.

The post didn’t go into details about which projects caused the conflict, but it made clear that the absence was not due to lack of interest or respect.

Tribute to Sabbath

Even though they couldn’t attend, Soundgarden used their statement to show appreciation for Black Sabbath’s legacy. The post reads more like a heartfelt eulogy than a press release, offering a poetic thank-you to one of metal’s founding bands.

“Thank you for an astounding career that provided us and your legion of fans with a lifetime of beauty, horror, love, power, happiness, melancholy and a profoundly sublime, yet viscerally rocking transcendence informed by both doom and hope.”

They went on to say:

“Your majestic brilliance has inspired greatness in scores of other bands, musicians and songwriters. However, the crown will forever remain yours!”

A few thank-yous

The band also acknowledged the people who extended the invitation.

“We are very grateful to Tony, Ozzy, Geezer and Bill, as well as Sharon Osbourne and music director, Tom Morello for the honor and invitation to Soundgarden to perform at the Back to the Beginning festival!”

They ended the message with:

“Soundgarden loves you and embraces your rock and roll souls! XOSG!!!”

The post included a handful of photos showing the band through the years at various shows, including Download Festival in 2012 and other past moments with Sabbath.

Rumors

The absence of Soundgarden sparked plenty of speculation. Some fans thought it might be a sign of internal issues.

Others wondered whether the band was trying to stay out of the spotlight. With drummer Matt Cameron recently leaving Pearl Jam after 27 years, fans were also guessing whether Soundgarden might be moving toward a reunion or new phase.

The timing of this statement comes just weeks after the band teased unreleased material, possibly their long-rumored eighth studio album. They did so on the anniversary of Chris Cornell’s death.

The post also reignited interest in the band’s future, especially with Soundgarden set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year.

More missing names

Soundgarden wasn’t the only expected name that didn’t show up. Fans also questioned the absence of Motley Crue. Last week, Nikki Sixx responded during a Q&A on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“We have been having health issues within the band.”

Sixx had also shared his congratulations to Ozzy and Black Sabbath after the performance, thanking them for giving Motley Crue one of their first big breaks.

So with Black Sabbath officially retired, attention turns to the bands still active. Soundgarden’s statement doesn’t confirm new music, but it indicates the group remains involved behind the scenes.

A full return hasn’t been announced. The only confirmed items are their upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and the possible release of previously unreleased material.

Their message reinforces long-standing respect for Sabbath. And that’s it…

Soundgarden’s full statement

Congratulations to Black Sabbath on the grand and final pealing of their vesper bells!

Thank you for an astounding career that provided us and your legion of fans with a lifetime of beauty, horror, love, power, happiness, melancholy and a profoundly sublime, yet viscerally rocking transcendence informed by both doom and hope. Your majestic brilliance has inspired greatness in scores of other bands, musicians and songwriters. However, the crown will forever remain yours!

We are very grateful to Tony, Ozzy, Geezer and Bill, as well as Sharon Osbourne and music director, Tom Morello for the honor and invitation to Soundgarden to perform at the Back to the Beginning festival! We are super bummed and regret that we were unable to coordinate the schedules of our individual and collective projects to attend and contribute to the festival. The warmth, love and support from the Black Sabbath team has been a continuing source of encouragement and strength throughout our career.

Soundgarden loves you and embraces your rock and roll souls! XOSG!!!

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