Tool Confirm They’re Still Playing Final Black Sabbath Show After Line-Up Drama

Despite the internet losing its head slightly, no Tool are not the band Sharon Osbourne kicked off the Black Sabbath farewell bill.

They’re still locked in for what’s shaping up to be one of the biggest send-offs in heavy music history.

The drama started when Sharon casually dropped in an interview that she’d axed a band from the Villa Park line-up after a fight with their manager, who she says has been “going around making up bullshit lies.” Cue instant speculation. Fans clocked that Tool’s name briefly vanished from the official website, and Reddit ran wild with theories that Maynard and co. had been given the boot.

Not the case.

Tool have since jumped on social media to clear it up: “We are excited to be a part of this legendary show. For those of you who can’t make it, there will be a livestream available.” Their name is now back on the poster, and the Sabbath camp has yet to confirm who was cut.

Some fans wondered whether Maynard’s past comments about Ozzy’s health — saying it might take “modern miracles” to get the Prince of Darkness onstage — may have stirred the pot. But if there’s any beef, it hasn’t stopped Tool from showing up.

The ‘Back To The Beginning’ show goes down July 5 at Birmingham’s Villa Park, bringing together Ozzy, Iommi, Butler and Ward for the first time in two decades. The line-up is stacked with heavy hitters: Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, KoRn, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden’s surviving members, and more. Tom Morello is on board as musical director.

Ozzy’s said he’s “giving 120 per cent” to make it onstage. Whether he’s standing, sitting, or flying in on a throne, it’s happening. As he put it, “All I can do is turn up.”

And as for Tool, they’re turning up too. Ignore the noise — they’re still in.