Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
A unique ballet performance dedicated to the late Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne is giving fans another chance to experience the band’s music and legacy. The Royal Ballet in Birmingham is taking the Black Sabbath-inspired ballet on tour, starting with a return to the Birmingham Hippodrome.
The Ballet Performance
The ballet, which premiered in 2023, features complete orchestral arrangements of tracks like "Paranoid" and "Iron Man," as well as new orchestral works inspired by the band’s music. The opening night of the tour was dedicated to Ozzy, who passed away in July. According to Worcester dancer Amelia Thompson, the ballet’s performance after Ozzy’s death made it all the more significant.
Blending Heavy Metal and Ballet
Thompson noted that dancing to heavy metal music may seem unusual, but the instrumental nature of Black Sabbath’s music makes it well-suited for choreography. "The music of Black Sabbath is very instrumental," she said. "There are many great beats that really add to the way you can choreograph it." The ballet’s costumes also stray from traditional attire, featuring black all-in-one outfits, jeans, jackets, and T-shirts, including some original Black Sabbath design elements.
A New Way to Experience Black Sabbath’s Music
The ballet offers a fresh perspective on the band’s music, allowing fans to experience it in a new and unique way. As Thompson pointed out, the instrumental nature of the music lends itself well to choreography, making for a compelling and energetic performance. The tour, which runs until September 27th, provides an opportunity for fans to pay tribute to Ozzy’s legacy and experience the band’s music in a new and exciting way.
Tony Iommi’s Thoughts on the Ballet
Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath’s guitarist, recently expressed his wishes that Ozzy were alive to see the show go on tour. Although Ozzy never got to see the ballet, he had expressed interest in it. Iommi admitted that he never expected the band’s music to be part of a ballet, but he is pleased that it has happened, and the tour is a testament to the enduring legacy of Black Sabbath’s music.
