James LoMenzo reveals that nobody asked for their opinion

James LoMenzo of Megadeth recently discussed their absence from the final concert of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, known as Back to the Beginning, during an interview with Japan’s Burrn! magazine. LoMenzo revealed that despite being in Europe at the same time, Megadeth was never approached or invited to participate in the rock and metal extravaganza that featured iconic bands like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, and Pantera.

Regarding Megadeth’s exclusion from the event, LoMenzo acknowledged the absence of the band from the lineup, stating, “Not everybody gets invited to every party.” He shared that even before the concert took place, there was chatter about Megadeth’s potential involvement, but no official contact or invitation was extended to them. Despite this, the bassist noted that frontman David Mustaine had reached out to express their availability and interest in participating, but those efforts did not yield any results.

Reflecting on the situation, LoMenzo expressed disappointment at missing out on the opportunity to be part of the celebration of Osbourne’s career and retirement. He mentioned the excitement surrounding the event and his admiration for Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, with whom he had been recording. According to LoMenzo, Ward had insider knowledge about the final show before its official announcement, adding to the anticipation and significance of the event for the band.

Although Megadeth’s absence from the concert raised eyebrows and fueled speculation, LoMenzo downplayed any controversy, emphasizing that the band was simply not included without any formal communication or invitation. He maintained a diplomatic stance on the matter, acknowledging the conspicuous omission while refraining from labeling it as a source of conflict or discord within the music industry.

Days after the Back to the Beginning concert, the world mourned the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76. In response to the news, a wave of tributes and condolences flowed from the music community, honoring the enduring impact and legacy of the beloved “Prince of Darkness.”

In conclusion, Megadeth’s absence from the final Black Sabbath concert underscored the complexities and uncertainties of event planning, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the music industry’s inner workings. Despite missing out on a monumental moment in rock history, the band maintained a respectful and understanding attitude, highlighting the ever-evolving dynamics of the music world and the enduring influence of iconic figures like Ozzy Osbourne.