When Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath took their final bow at Villa Park in Birmingham, fans were treated to an unforgettable night featuring rock royalty from across the metal world. Members of Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax were all present to pay tribute—but fans were quick to notice one glaring omission: Megadeth.
Now, Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo has broken the silence. The truth? They were never invited.
Speaking in a new interview, LoMenzo said Megadeth’s absence wasn’t due to any feud or behind-the-scenes drama. In fact, frontman Dave Mustaine had actively reached out to organizers while the band was on tour in Europe, offering to join the historic lineup. But the call never came.
“It wasn’t a slight,” LoMenzo clarified. “There was just never an official invitation. Dave reached out because we thought it was a great cause and a great opportunity, but it never materialized.”
Adding a twist to the situation, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson did appear at the concert. He performed in an all-star supergroup alongside names like Lzzy Hale and David Draiman, delivering Sabbath classics including “Sweet Leaf.”
Rumors had swirled that a major act was dropped from the lineup due to wanting payment for the charity event. Some speculated Megadeth had been the band in question—but Kelly Osbourne quickly set the record straight, stating that Megadeth was not the group removed.
Despite their absence, the show was a success, raising nearly $200 million for Parkinson’s research and children’s charities. While Megadeth didn’t take the stage, their respect for Ozzy remains unwavering.
“We would’ve loved to have been there,” LoMenzo added. “Ozzy’s a legend, and it was an honor just to be considered.”
When Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath took their final bow at Villa Park in Birmingham, fans were treated to an unforgettable night featuring rock royalty from across the metal world. Members of Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax were all present to pay tribute—but fans were quick to notice one glaring omission: Megadeth.
Now, Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo has broken the silence. The truth? They were never invited.
Speaking in a new interview, LoMenzo said Megadeth’s absence wasn’t due to any feud or behind-the-scenes drama. In fact, frontman Dave Mustaine had actively reached out to organizers while the band was on tour in Europe, offering to join the historic lineup. But the call never came.
“It wasn’t a slight,” LoMenzo clarified. “There was just never an official invitation. Dave reached out because we thought it was a great cause and a great opportunity, but it never materialized.”
Adding a twist to the situation, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson did appear at the concert. He performed in an all-star supergroup alongside names like Lzzy Hale and David Draiman, delivering Sabbath classics including “Sweet Leaf.”
Rumors had swirled that a major act was dropped from the lineup due to wanting payment for the charity event. Some speculated Megadeth had been the band in question—but Kelly Osbourne quickly set the record straight, stating that Megadeth was not the group removed.
Despite their absence, the show was a success, raising nearly $200 million for Parkinson’s research and children’s charities. While Megadeth didn’t take the stage, their respect for Ozzy remains unwavering.
“We would’ve loved to have been there,” LoMenzo added. “Ozzy’s a legend, and it was an honor just to be considered.”
