Black Sabbath in Phoenix, AZ last night 8-30-13 picture from www.azcentral.com
Black Sabbath's latest album entitled, "13" debuted at number one on I Tunes proving that rock is far from dead. I went to see them in concert last night and that's what I want to blog and share some pictures of the show that I did not take.
Guitarist Tony Iommi and Black Sabbath perform at US Airways Center in Phoenix on Friday, August 30, 2013.
picture from www.azcentral.com
I was excited about seeing Black Sabbath for several reasons. I've seen Ozzy in concert three times since 1988 and he always puts on a good show, I've never seen Black Sabbath before. But mostly, I wanted to see one of my guitar heroes Tony Iommi play live, especially since he has cancer now, I figured this could be the last chance I get.
After I bought my tickets, I looked at some Youtube videos of this tour and I gotta admit I was a little shocked. Ozzy hanging on to the microphone stand for dear life sounded tired and was having trouble hitting a lot of the higher notes. The guitar was detuned so much to presumably accommodate Ozzy's diminishing vocal range that it was hard to listen to the music and make out a lot of the songs like "War Pigs." And very importantly drummer Bill Ward was not present, apparently he said he would not be part of this reunion unless he was offered a, "signable contract." (source wikipedia,) and I'm not a big fan of messing with the rhythm section of a band.
I also found this blog on the Houston Press Website talking about their opening night on Houston. Calling Ozzy's performance, "struggling," "decidedly not in key," "off key mumbling," and, "painful to witness." The link to that blog is here:
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2013/07/ozzy_osbourne_cant_sing.php
I was seriously doubting my decision to go to this concert. I wanted to see a rock and roll show not a funeral.
Black Sabbath perform at US Airways Center in Phoenix on Friday, August 30, 2013. If Jesus played drums this is what it would look like.
picture from www.azcentral.com
picture from www.azcentral.com
But the show that I saw was not the show that the Houston Press blogged about. The crowd loved it and was going nuts the entire time, the band was tight, and Ozzy's voice was powerful and strong. He was in top form, jumping, and running around on stage for 17 songs. Not bad for being 64 years old. As much of a mess he is in real life, I swear something happens when he gets on stage and it's like he's a completely different person. Rock n Roll just keeps you young that way I guess.
The band also had great videos, lights and an insane 10+ minute drum solo. What ever happened to drum solos? I miss them at concerts.
If anyone has a chance to go this show I highly recommend it. Kids were there with their parents and I sat next to a old lady who must've been at least 70 years old.
Set list
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War Pigs
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Into the Void
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Under the Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes
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Snowblind
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Age of Reason
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Black Sabbath
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Behind the Wall of Sleep
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N.I.B.
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End of the Beginning
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Fairies Wear Boots
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Rat Salad(Followed by Tommy Clufetos Drum Solo)
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Iron Man
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God Is Dead?
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Dirty Women
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Children of the Grave
- Encore:
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Paranoid(Sabbath Bloody Sabbath Intro)
-
Zeitgeist
Black Sabbath perform at US Airways Center in Phoenix on Friday, August 30, 2013.
picture from www.azcentral.comMy only criticism is with Ozzy's usual stage antics and gimmicks. He's been doing the same bits for years and if you've never seen Ozzy here's what you can expect when you see him.
1. He can't fucking hear you!: he will say that over and over again, so make sure you yell really loud.2. He wants to see your fucking hands!: Even though Black Sabbath is not exactly a wave your hands in the air type of band, he will insist on seeing your hands.3. He loves you very much: and he's not afraid to say it.Please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/guitardedblogg
And on Twitter @guitardedblog
email me at bloggeradmin@guitardedblog.com
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