With the Labor Day weekend kicking off, there seemed no better way to celebrate the extra day off than with Metallica. And thanks to SiriusXM, fans of the heavy metal band can tune in to the new Maximum Metallica channel. Embracing all things Metallica, the channel premiered on August 29th on channel 42. While thrilled to extend their legacy within the music industry, the band performed a small concert to celebrate. But even with the channel focused on all things Metallica, the group decided to take a moment to remember the legendary Ozzy Osbourne.
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Having inspired numerous heavy metal bands over the years, Metallica received a chance of a lifetime when invited to perform at the Back to the Beginning charity concert. Promoted as Ozzy’s last performance alongside Black Sabbath, nothing could stop Metallica from taking part. At the time, the band only thought they were honoring the Prince of Darkness. They had no idea Ozzy would pass away just a few weeks later.
During the Maximum Metallica celebration, the band performed a slew of hit songs like “Enter Sandman”, “Fade To Black”, and “Master of Puppets.” But still remembering Ozzy, the group transitioned to a special performance of “Crazy Train.” And thankfully, that performance made its way online.
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As for those in the audience, the event welcomed several stars like Howard Stern, Paul McCartney, Michael J. Fox, Chris Jericho, Chad Smith, and even Sylvester Stallone.
Outside of their special tribute to Ozzy, the band posted a picture of them standing alongside the icon just a few weeks ago. With the news of his passing, Metallica wrote, “It’s impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica. Hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend are a few that come to mind. Ozzy and Sharon believed in us and transformed our lives and careers. He taught us how to play in the big leagues while at the same time being warm, welcoming, engaging, and all around brilliant.”
While sending their condolences to the Osbourne family, Metallica promised that Ozzy’s influence would remain a guiding force in their music and in the legacy of rock itself.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur)
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