Tony Iommi has admitted that he likened drummer Invoice Ward’s look at Black Sabbath’s farewell present to Lord Of The Rings monster Gollum.
The guitarist says throughout a brand new interview with Eddie Trunk that he poked enjoyable at Ward backstage earlier than Sabbath took the stage for his or her closing bow at Again To The Starting in Birmingham on Saturday (July 5). Ward, 77, carried out topless throughout the band’s five-song finale.
“I mentioned to Invoice, ‘Blimey, Invoice, you appear to be Gollum,’” Iommi remembers (through Blabbermouth).
He continues: “And I don’t assume he knew who Gollum was. He’s at all times at all times been the identical, Invoice. He simply doesn’t care. He goes on and does what he needs, which is nice. That’s at all times been Invoice.”
The sunshine-hearted jab appears to be indicative of the environment as Sabbath’s founding members reunited for his or her first public efficiency since 2005.
“And instantly, in fact, all of the jokes began once more as quickly as we had been collectively, having a go at one another,” says Iommi. “It was actually enjoyable, really. It was nice. The communication carried on from years in the past.”
On Wednesday (July 9), Ward took to X to share a heartfelt thanks to his bandmates Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, in addition to Sabbath’s fanbase and the opposite musicians who carried out at Again To The Starting.
“Packing a 3rd suitcase in preparation to return to America,” the drummer wrote. “The handshakes and embraces and sort phrases from fellow musicians are nonetheless foremost in my usually fading reminiscence, worthwhile, long-lasting, holding. They punctuate how a lot we now have missed one another.”
He added: “To be with Iron Man and Warfare Pigs, to slam and attain for my undone musical components, and for nonetheless briefly, to be within the actuality of recollections. Due to Tony, Geezer and Oz, the crews, everybody that put it collectively, and of most significance, the metalheads and our bodies who’ve embraced a lot and given their love fanatically.
“To all, thanks, thanks. You might be actually immortal.”
Again To The Starting was an all-day charity occasion held at Villa Park, dwelling turf of Osbourne and Butler’s beloved soccer workforce Aston Villa. The occasion was livestreamed and, in response to The Guardian, watched by greater than 5 million individuals. The occasion will reportedly elevate greater than $190 million for charity total.
Packing a 3rd suitcase in preparation to return to America. The handshakes and embraces and sort phrases from fellow musicians are nonetheless foremost in my usually fading reminiscence, worthwhile, long-lasting, holding. They punctuate how a lot we now have missed one another.To be with Iron…July 9, 2025
