Tony Iommi has revealed he initially opposed Black Sabbath's reunion performance at last year's Back To The Beginning charity show at Villa Park, Birmingham, telling Ozzy Osbourne he didn't think the band should do it. The show, which featured acts including Metallica, Pantera, Guns N' Roses and Tool paying tribute to Sabbath, ultimately went ahead as its proceeds benefited several charities, but Iommi's comments highlight the concerns surrounding what became the band's final set given Osbourne's declining health.

Speaking to Classic Rock, Iommi said he had suggested other bands simply perform Sabbath's songs while the band came out only to say thank you at the end. His hesitation stemmed partly from having seen Osbourne struggle when they performed together at the 2022 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony; Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2003 but only disclosed it publicly in 2020. Iommi also said he had opposed Osbourne performing a solo set before Sabbath's closing performance, fearing it would leave him too exhausted. The interview also touches on Iommi's new solo album, From The Dark, due for release on 23 October via BMG.