Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford faces a significant scheduling conflict that will prevent him from attending Black Sabbath’s final performance this July. The vocalist will be performing with Scorpions in Germany on the same day as Sabbath’s farewell show.
“I had no idea it was happening!” Halford told Metal Hammer. The metal veteran had already committed to the Scorpions’ 60th anniversary celebration in Hannover when Black Sabbath announced their farewell show at Villa Park in Birmingham, with approximately 595 miles separating the two venues.
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Halford. After spending decades in Birmingham’s metal scene alongside Sabbath, he’ll miss this significant moment in heavy metal history. Both Black Sabbath and Judas Priest emerged from Birmingham’s industrial landscape, helping to establish the city as the birthplace of heavy metal.
Sharon Osbourne herself reached out to Halford about potentially making an appearance at the Sabbath show. “Robbie, could you consider coming over to do a thing with Ozzy and the guys?” she reportedly asked. However, even with discussions of private transportation, logistical challenges made it impossible to coordinate attendance at both events safely.
For a man who twice before stepped in for Ozzy Osbourne with Sabbath (in 1992 and 2004), missing this farewell performance holds particular significance.
While Priest won’t appear as a complete unit, former guitarist K.K. Downing will be present at Birmingham’s event. Tickets for the farewell concert sold out extremely quickly, demonstrating the immense interest in Sabbath’s final bow. Reports indicate the demand was extraordinary, with fans facing long virtual queues.
The farewell concert features an impressive lineup that includes Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Pantera, and the recently-reunited Slayer—a gathering of metal’s most influential acts. Beyond the musical significance we will see the metal icon Ozzy Osbourne confirm perform only a few songs at this final reunion show, as the legendary band raises funds for major charities. Musical director Tom Morello has organized special collaborations bringing together legends from across metal’s landscape to honor Birmingham’s influential band.
Meanwhile, Judas Priest continues their busy schedule, having recently completed their “Invincible Shield” tour in Mexico and heading into festival season before the Scorpions celebration and a co-headlining tour with Alice Cooper.
This scheduling conflict illustrates the breadth of heavy metal’s global reach—with significant events happening simultaneously across different continents. As Birmingham bids farewell to its founding fathers without one of its notable figures in attendance, the metal community remains connected in spirit if not in geography.
