The Guitarist TOM MORELLO Fought To Bring Back For Black Sabbath’s Last Show: 'I Can’t Imagine This Happening Without You'

Tom Morello is playing a key role in organizing Black Sabbath’s last concert. And for him, one name was essential: Jake E. Lee, the guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne in the 1980s.

Morello, who plays in Rage Against the Machine, is the musical director for Back to the Beginning, a major event billed as the final live appearance for both Ozzy’s solo career and Black Sabbath’s original lineup.

In a new interview with Guitarist, Jake E. Lee said Morello called him directly to ask him to take part.

“Tom Morello called me and said, ‘There’s going to be a performance by the original Sabbath lineup and Ozzy’s farewell. I can’t imagine this happening without Jake E. Lee being part of it.’”

Lee played guitar in Ozzy’s band between 1982 and 1987. He hasn’t spoken to the singer in decades, but said he was “happy to be involved” and hopes Ozzy is well enough to perform.

“It’s emotional to be part of this. I haven’t seen or spoken to Ozzy in years. I really don’t know what shape he’s in. But he deserves a final show. I’m glad I can be part of it.”

What will Jake E. Lee play?

Many fans expect to hear “Bark at the Moon”, the title track from Ozzy’s 1983 album. The song was co-written by Lee and marked his debut with Osbourne. But he’s not sure he’ll be able to perform it.

At 68, Lee is dealing with physical issues in his hands. He mentioned arthritis and wrist pain as major challenges when it comes to playing the song’s fast guitar parts.

“People probably want me to play ‘Bark at the Moon,’ but I don’t know. With my wrist issues, arthritis, and everything else, it’s going to be tough. I’ll practice it just in case, but it’s going to be hard.”

As a backup, Lee is preparing to play “The Ultimate Sin”, from Ozzy’s 1986 album of the same name.

“I’m working on ‘The Ultimate Sin.’ It’s heavy, and I like the solo in that one.”

Inside the farewell event

Back to the Beginning takes place July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, the hometown of Black Sabbath.

The event will include a short solo set by Ozzy Osbourne and a performance by Sabbath’s original lineup.

The rest of the lineup features a long list of rock and metal artists, including: Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Rival Sons.

The guest list also includes: Billy Corgan, David Draiman, Duff McKagan, Fred Durst, Lzzy Hale, Jake E. Lee, Jonathan Davis, K.K. Downing, Mike Bordin, Papa V Perpetua, Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Slash, Sleep Token II, Tom Morello, and Wolfgang Van Halen.

Morello’s role

According to NME, Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and longtime manager, said Tom Morello volunteered to organize the event. She praised his passion and deep knowledge of Sabbath’s legacy.

“He knows so much about all the different styles of music, especially Sabbath. He’s passionate, and he’s a great guy. He volunteered for the role and has done an amazing job bringing everything together. He’s managing all the different bands and figuring out who plays what. It’s a big job, and he’s handling it all.”

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So, if Ozzy does perform, Jake E. Lee will be there. He may not play the fastest solo of the night, but he’ll stand alongside his former bandmate one last time.

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