What made Tony Iommi rethink the Black Sabbath reunion?

Tony Iommi discussed his hesitation to accept the Black Sabbath reunion event and the reasons behind his decision in a recent interview. In February 2017, some four years after the release of their final album 13, Black Sabbath wrapped up their farewell tour. Their “Back to the Beginning” gig, which will be Ozzy Osbourne‘s final performance and feature all four original members performing together for the first time in more than two decades, was announced earlier this year. Critics point the finger at bands for coming out of retirement, particularly those fans who flew and paid to watch the alleged “final tour.” When asked about a possible reunion gig with Sabbath, Iommi told The Guardian that he was a little self-conscious about that.

I’m the one that said, ‘I don’t know if we should do it,’ because we did a farewell tour and I didn’t want to get into that thing like all the other bands are doing, saying it’s the last tour and then reappearing again. But I’ve been convinced, because we’re doing it for a reason… No one’s getting paid or anything.

The concert’s proceeds will be donated to Cure Parkinson’s, Acorn Children’s Hospice, and Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital. It appears that their supporters either forgive them for coming back or were never offended by it at all, given that the performance sold out in less than 20 minutes.