Why Gus G Missed Black Sabbath’s Final Show – And Why He Has No Regrets

A candid perspective from Ozzy’s former guitarist
Guitarist Gus G, best known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, has shared his thoughts on why he wasn’t part of Black Sabbath’s farewell concert—one of the most talked-about events in rock history.

A star-studded lineup — but not everyone made the list
The Back To The Beginning show featured an incredible lineup including:
Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer.

Despite its масштаб and prestige, not every musician received an invitation. Among those absent was Gus G, who served as Ozzy’s lead guitarist from 2009 to 2017.

Wishing to be there — without resentment
Speaking on the Signals From Mars podcast, he admitted that he would have loved to attend and see Ozzy one last time, even just to share a final moment.

However, he holds no bitterness.
With so many top-tier guitarists present—including Zakk Wylde, his predecessor and eventual successor—he understood that his presence might not have been necessary.

A fan’s perspective over frustration
Rather than focusing on the missed opportunity, Gus G chose to view the event as a fan.
When he first saw the announcement, he felt excited that Ozzy would return to the stage one last time and close his career in such a grand way.

A life-changing moment at home
Another major reason behind his absence was deeply personal—the birth of his child.

His child was born just one day before the Birmingham show.
Even if he had been invited, attending rehearsals or the performance would have been extremely difficult.

He realized that at that moment, something far more important required his attention.

A lasting impact on Ozzy’s legacy
Even without appearing at the farewell concert, Gus G’s contribution to Ozzy Osbourne’s career remains significant.

He spent around seven years in the band and played on the 2010 album Scream.
In contrast, many respected guitarists—including Nuno Bettencourt—auditioned but never secured the role.

Gus G, however, became a core member of the lineup for years.

A rare opportunity few achieve
He reflects on how unlikely his journey was:
a musician from Greece, without deep roots in the American heavy metal scene,
yet he reached one of the highest levels in the industry.

For him, being accepted into Ozzy’s band represents a lifelong stamp of approval.

More than originally expected
Initially, he was brought in for just one album and a tour.
Instead, his time with the Osbournes extended to several years, giving him far more than he had anticipated.

He emphasizes that the time spent both on and off stage with Ozzy was invaluable.
Gus G does not see his absence from the final show as a loss.
Instead, he reflects on his career with appreciation, recognizing that he gained far more than he ever expected.