Wolfgang Van Halen Drops Out of Black Sabbath Farewell Gig

It turns out not even the final curtain call for metal gods Black Sabbath can compete with the resurrection of Creed.

Wolfgang Van Halen has officially pulled out of ‘Back To The Beginning’, Black Sabbath’s much-hyped farewell show taking place in Birmingham on July 5. The guitarist and Mammoth WVH frontman was one of the first names announced for the mega-lineup back in February, joining a bill that’s stacked with names like Metallica, Tool, Pantera, Slayer, Alice In Chains, and more. But now, he’s out — all thanks to a scheduling conflict with the soon-to-launch Creed tour in North America.

“I, unfortunately, had to back out because the Creed tour starts the day after,” Van Halen explained to WRIF Detroit this week. “I wouldn’t be able to pull it off — unfortunately. I’m very excited to watch it, but I unfortunately had to back out.” So that’s Wolfgang, out. Creed, in. Make of that what you will.

The Sabbath send-off is already shaping up to be one of the most unmissable events in metal history. Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward will reunite on stage for the first time in over two decades — and possibly for the very last time ever.

And with all the drama swirling around the show (Sharon Osbourne recently admitted she booted an unnamed act from the bill, sparking fan panic about Tool’s involvement), Van Halen’s exit adds yet another twist to the saga. Tool have since reappeared on the official website, so it looks like they’re safe… for now.

If you’re not making the pilgrimage to Birmingham’s Villa Park for the show, you’ll still be able to watch it live — a pay-per-view livestream kicks off at 3pm BST on July 5, with 48-hour access to the full show.

Black Sabbath might be going back to the beginning — but Wolfgang’s heading straight for 2001.