SOUNDGARDEN Addresses Why They Weren't At BLACK SABBATH's Final Show

After much speculation, Soundgarden have officially addressed their absence from the highly anticipated Back to the Beginning concert — the farewell celebration for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, held on July 5 in Birmingham, England. The statement, issued via Instagram, not only offered an explanation but also served as a deeply respectful and poetic tribute to one of the most influential bands in rock history.

Back in May, Sharon Osbourne had indicated in an interview with The Guardian that Soundgarden’s surviving members were slated to be part of the historic bill, alongside names like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, who did appear. But when the event came and went, fans quickly noticed Soundgarden was not among the performers.

Now, the band has clarified the reason for their absence, citing logistical complications: "We are super bummed and regret that we were unable to coordinate the schedules of our individual and collective projects to attend and contribute to the festival."

Despite not making it to the show, Soundgarden made it clear just how much the moment — and the invite — meant to them. The full statement reads as follows. It's also not clear if the members of Soundgarden were supposed to be there, or if this would've been some kind of Soundgarden tribute show.

"Congratulations to Black Sabbath on the grand and final pealing of their vesper bells! Thank you for an astounding career that provided us and your legion of fans with a lifetime of beauty, horror, love, power, happiness, melancholy and a profoundly sublime, yet viscerally rocking transcendence informed by both doom and hope. Your majestic brilliance has inspired greatness in scores of other bands, musicians and songwriters. However, the crown will forever remain yours!

"We are very grateful to Tony, Ozzy, Geezer and Bill, as well as Sharon Osbourne and music director, Tom Morello for the honor and invitation to Soundgarden to perform at the Back to the Beginning festival! We are super bummed and regret that we were unable to coordinate the schedules of our individual and collective projects to attend and contribute to the festival. The warmth, love and support from the Black Sabbath team has been a continuing source of encouragement and strength throughout our career."