Legendary heavy metal band stop in Hamilton on their farewell tour
On Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, 14,000 devoted followers packed Hamilton’s FirstOntario Centre to attend a heavy metal mass, led by the gods of the genre themselves, Black Sabbath.
Metal’s founding fathers have embarked on a farewell tour after nearly 50 years of performing, and will take the stage over 60 times before they finally call it quits. The tour, aptly titled “The End,” will take the boys from Birmingham around the globe, as they are joined by California rock n’ rollers Rival Sons.
Rival Sons formed in 2009, and began receiving mainstream attention in 2012 with a slew of television appearances, and an endorsement from Jimmy Page, who called the quartet his current “favourite band.” The rockers from Long Beach impressed Ozzy Osbourne so much during their performance at the 2014 Classic Rock Awards, that they were offered the coveted opening slot on the spot. Jay Buchanan’s electrifying vocals, coupled with Scott Holiday’s screaming blues licks through his wall of Orange amps were enough to bring the packed house to their feet. Although it seems impossible for any band to steal the thunder of the mighty Black Sabbath on their farewell tour, Rival Sons certainly came close.
Black Sabbath took to the torch-lit stage amidst a deafening ovation, and Tony Iommi’s iconic and ominous riff kicked off the band’s foreboding song “Black Sabbath” — the first track from their debut eponymous album. The band powered through an impressive 14 song setlist, featuring hits such as “War Pigs” and “Fairies Wear Boots,” and fan favourites like “N.I.B.” and “Hand of Doom,” which hasn’t been performed live by the band since 1978.
The thunderous rhythm section of the metal icons is currently anchored by Tommy Clufetos on drums. Clufetos fills in for original drummer Bill Ward, due to Ward’s controversial departure from the band, and continued animosity towards Ozzy Osbourne. Clufetos, a youthful 36-years-old, impressed fans with his aggressive beat and pummeling fills, culminating in a thrilling and dynamic solo during “Rat Salad” that lasted nearly 10 minutes.
Geezer Butler’s powerful and often understated bass-playing was suitably heavy throughout the entire 80-minute set, and he shone on classics such as “Behind the Wall of Sleep” and “After Forever.” His most notable performance was on “N.I.B.,” a track that he penned, which opens with a lengthy bass-wah solo.
Ozzy’s voice was strong and confident, and although his vocals faltered occasionally during the performance, he remained captivating and intense throughout. On this tour, Osbourne certainly delivers a more powerful and consistent vocal performance than on the previous tour, which promoted the band’s latest studio effort 13. After nearly 50 years and countless tours, the frontman’s trademark running and mumbling is legendary among fans, and his repeated refrain of “Let me see those f–king hands!” elicited an immediate roar of cheers and claps from all in attendance.
Tony Iommi turned 68 just two days before the show, but his playing was ageless on this night, enthralling thousands at the FirstOntario Centre. His colossal riffs were equally melodic and simple, powering through legendary tracks like “Iron Man” and “Children of the Grave.” Iommi’s dissonant riffs set a sinister tone for the evening, and his blistering solos through his signature Laney amps were executed with precision, accompanied by the occasional smirk from the usually stoic metal giant. Iommi’s trademark trills and solos that elated the crowd were a highpoint in an emotional and intense evening.
After nearly five decades of playing music, it almost seems unfathomable to witness the end of such an influential band. Black Sabbath pioneered a genre, and their music continues to resonate with millions around the world 46 years later.
I was lucky enough to grow up in a generation where my father would rather turn up my heavy metal records than smash them. Black Sabbath was a defining band for me during my adolescence, and Iommi’s riffs were among the first that I learned on guitar, and his influence is still prevalent in my playing a decade later.
If this tour truly marks the conclusion of one of music’s most iconic bands, then this is surely a fitting tribute, and I’m honoured to say that I experienced the end of Black Sabbath.