The masters (of reality) return: the mighty Sabs on stage in Brum on Saturday (pic Ross Halfin)
BIRMINGHAM 02 ACADEMY
Black Sabbath played their first gig since guitarist Tony Iommi was diagnosed with Lymphoma at an intimate club show in their hometown of Birmingham on Saturday (May 19).
Three thousand people crammed into the O2 Academy to see the metal legends dig deep into their back catalogue for the warm-up show ahead of their appearance at the Download festival on June 10.
A black-clad Iommi looked moved as the crowd chanted his name following set opener Into The Void, and again throughout the set.
There was little evidence of the controversy surrounding drummer Bill Ward’s absence. Though the band didn’t mention replacement Tommy Clufetos, the drummer received applause for a short drum solo before Iron Man.
With Ozzy Osbourne sounding better than he has in years, Sabbath dusted down the likes of Tomorrow’s Dream and Under The Sun for the first time in years.
After final song Paranoid, the crowd chanted Iommi’s name before the lights came up.
Directly after the show Geezer Butler paid tribute to Tony when he posted a note to fans on his website:
“Thank you, thank you, thank you Birmingham. Best fans ever – you brought out the best in us. It was a privilege playing for you tonight. Tony was a hero – you were the best medicine he has had. Proud to be a Brummie.”
Set list:
Into The Void, Under The Sun, Snowblind, War Pigs, Wheels Of Confusion, Electric Funeral, Black Sabbath, The Wizard, Beyond The Wall Of Sleep, N.I.B., Fairies Wear Boots, Tomorrow’s Dream, Sweet Leaf, Sympton Of The Universe (intro), Iron Man, Dirty Women, Children Of The Grave, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (intro), Paranoid.
– Dave Everley
Killer bill: the scene outside Birmingham's O2 Academy
Air dance: Ozzy recreates his classic pose (pic Ross Halfin)
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