Billy Corgan shared deeply personal reflections on Black Sabbath’s farewell performance. He revealed the emotional impact the legendary band has had on his life and career in a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Smashing Pumpkins frontman opened up about his lifelong connection to Black Sabbath. He shared his experience witnessing their final show alongside 45,000 fans.
“A few reflections on a beautiful and bittersweet day: I first heard Black Sabbath on my uncle’s stereo some 50 years ago,” Corgan said.
He described the surreal nature of being present for such a historic moment in rock history.
“So it was surreal to stand on a football pitch with 45,000 strong to witness the end of this grand, institutional group who has touched me personally, professionally, and at times even intimately in stolen moments of work and camaraderie,” he continued. “Thank you Tony, Bill, Geezer, and Ozzy for all you’ve done for so many.”
Corgan expressed gratitude for being invited to participate in the farewell event.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to Sharon for asking me to take part,” he said. “It was truly an honor on more levels that I could count. And to witness the passionate performances of so many in rehearsal: those I admire from afar, those I know, too, and see the translation into the near 10-hour affair of music and fellowship was something to behold.”
The musician reflected on the deeper meaning of the event. He shared its emotional impact on him personally.
“Music is of course the soundtrack to our lives, but yesterday in my estimation was something truly special,” Corgan noted. “As a 3-dimensional soundtrack was being crafted in real time. All to celebrate this coming home for the band once known as Earth.”
In his most revealing moment, Corgan admitted to the emotional toll of witnessing his heroes’ final performance.
“Every great journey has trials and tribulations, tragedies and surprise,” he said. “Therein lies the magic, therein lie the tears. I both whooped yesterday in sheer exultation to be in the right spot at the right moment, and I wept silently as my heroes fell on their wizardly, mythic sword to bid us farewell.”
He concluded with philosophical thoughts on the band’s lasting legacy.
“We have the music, and we have them in our hearts,” Corgan said. “You don’t have to be a musician to understand. But it does help, at least if you’re trying to decode that which is elusive in the cosmos. Now the band is both here and not here; with us, and yet gone. As it should be.”
Corgan’s emotional tribute reflects the broader significance of Black Sabbath’s farewell. The event marked the end of one of heavy metal’s most influential chapters.
The farewell concert was titled “Back to the Beginning.” Wikipedia reported that it took place at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, lasting 10 hours with a lineup of fourteen supporting acts and special guests. This massive celebration showcased Black Sabbath’s enduring influence on rock and metal music. It brought together multiple generations of artists who had been inspired by the pioneering band.
The final show marked the conclusion of a farewell tour that began in January 2016. The tour proved to be a massive commercial success. Wikipedia’s coverage of The End Tour revealed that the farewell tour grossed $84.8 million over 74 shows worldwide. This illustrated Black Sabbath’s enduring draw and global fanbase even after nearly five decades in the music industry.
The historic Birmingham performance featured the original core members of Black Sabbath performing together for the final time. Setlist.fm confirmed that Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler took the stage as the original lineup. They brought their legendary partnership to a definitive close in their hometown of Birmingham.
The emotional weight of the farewell was not lost on the band members themselves. They had spent decades shaping the sound of heavy metal. The event represented more than just a concert; it was a cultural moment that acknowledged Black Sabbath’s role in creating an entire musical genre. It influenced countless musicians like Corgan who grew up listening to their groundbreaking sound.
