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The Back to the Beginning Concert – Getting into Gear
mardi 15 juillet 2025, 16:00 , par Sweetwater inSync
The dynamic duo of doom, Ozzy Osbourne and Zakk Wylde, performing together onstage on July 5 for the very last time. Photo: Father Grady “dragon” Champion As a result, 45,000 fans “gather in their masses” (sorry, couldn’t resist) at the stadium, as did the world’s elite of the heavy-metal genre that many consider Black Sabbath to be the creators of. We’re talking Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Halestorm, Mastodon, and Gojira. And let’s not forget the multitude of metal and rock superstars who also performed in two separate supergroup sets — from Nuno Bettencourt, Tom Morello, Billy Corgan, Vernon Reid, Rudy Sarzo, and David Ellefson to Steven Tyler, Sammy Hagar, and even Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones! Nor can we forget the likes of Chad Smith, Travis Barker, and Mike Bordin on drums; or the aptly named Yungblud whose vocal performance on “Changes” was definitely one of this historic show’s many highlights. In short, it was a Who’s Who of heavy metal and hard rock, a once-in-a-lifetime congregation united with a singular purpose in mind: to celebrate and pay tribute to the music of four lads from Aston, Birmingham, whose influence and impact on rock and metal is immeasurable. Oh, yeah — and to raise money for a trio of extremely worthy causes. Poster for Back to the Beginning Concert Due to overwhelming public demand, the Back to the Beginning charity concert was also streamed via pay-per-view anywhere and everywhere on the planet with internet access. More than five million people tuned in worldwide. Add to this an impressive online auction, and many, many millions of dollars will be donated to three charities: Birmingham Children’s Hospital; Acorns Children’s Hospice; and, for obvious reasons due to Ozzy’s unfortunate situation, Cure Parkinsons. How wonderful it is that this reverent, highly emotional, joy-inducing event plays its proceeds forward! Getting into Gear Pretty much every single one of the many great guitarists who performed at this highly lauded event has signature gear that we sell at Sweetwater. In fact, I stopped counting them once I hit 100! Given this impressive number, I figured it’d be cool to take a close look at a select few of the many available. In my humble opinion, there is no better or more logical place to begin than with “the Godfather of the Heavy Metal Riff,” Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, followed by three six-stringers who’ve stood onstage alongside Mr. Ozzy Osbourne during his long and colorful career as a solo performer. Tony Iommi: The Riffmaster General How important is this man in the world of metal? Well, to quote my much-missed friend, the late, great Dimebag Darrell: “Tony is the riff master. He’s the father of heavy metal — he invented the whole damn thing!” Amen to that. What Tony created with Messrs. Osbourne, Butler, and Ward literally founded the metal genre. All hail Black Sabbath! Due to an industrial accident that cost Iommi the tips of the middle and ring fingers of his fretboard hand, this lefty legend also pioneered light-gauge strings and was tuning down to C# over 50 years ago! Check out the custom, carbon-hex-core La Bella TI832 set string gauges he uses on his guitars that are tuned down a semitone to Eb (low to high: Eb, Ab, Dd, Gb, Bb, Eb):.008,.008,.011,.018w,.024,.032. Now that’s light! Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list When Tony tunes down to C# (low to high: C#, F#, B, E, G#, C#), he uses his signature La Bella TI942 set with gauges.009,.010,.012,.020w,.032,.042. Do gauges this light “flap” when tuned that low? Of course they do, and that’s an essential tonal ingredient in Iommi’s legendary doomy sound. When it comes to axes and amps, Tony is synonymous with Gibson SGs — either black or cherry — and Laney stacks. There is an extremely limited-edition, hand-signed Tony Iommi Laney TI100 head coming out soon that is bound to sell out instantly. So, if you’re not one of the lucky 50 worldwide, Iommi’s main amp back in the day was a tube-driven100W Laney Supergroup front-ended by a modified Dallas Rangemaster treble booster pedal. Even though Laney Supergroups aren’t Tony’s signature amp, they’re definitely worth checking out if you like his groundbreaking tone in the early days. Sweetwater carries two versions of the Laney Supergroup that are perfect for those not playing stadiums like Villa Park. The first is the Supergroup LA30BL 30-watt tube head, and the second is the neighbor-, studio-, and silent-stage-friendly Supergroup LA-Studio 3-watt tube head, which includes a full Two Notes Torpedo module and preloaded IRs — no cabinet needed! As for tapping into the all-important tonal elixir Iommi’s now-mythical Rangemaster (it got lost many moons ago and has yet to be found) added when he was using a Supergroup head? Fret not — there’s the Tony Iommi Signature Laney Black Country Customs TI-Boost pedal that not only does the job of his fabled Rangemaster but can also do a whole lot more. Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Randy Rhoads: Still Flying High & Influencing New Generations of Guitarists Although it’s been more than four decades since his tragic passing, the spirit and profound influence of the late, great Randy Rhoads was felt and appreciated by all during the Back to the Beginning concert. Not only did the tireless curator of this magnificent event, Tom Morello, give a heartfelt speech about Randy’s incredible importance and impact, but he also introduced a moving video from Randy’s sister, Kathy. Consider, too, the fact that four of the five songs in Ozzy’s farewell solo set were from the short-but-forever-sacred Randy Rhoads period, and, yes — the beloved axeman was very much there! One of Randy’s many gifts to the six-string sphere is his instantly recognizable Jackson RR guitar shape that has graced countless stages over the past 40 years and will continue to do so for eternity. Sweetwater offers a bunch of cool variants of this iconic angular axe, from the highly affordable, 2/3 scale RR Minion JSX1, which is a perfect first guitar for a young, metal-hungry beginner; all the way up to the recently released and simply stunning Jackson USA Custom Shop Rhoads – Snow White, Heavy Relic. Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Jake E. Lee: Back in the Saddle Again For many people, seeing Jake E. Lee perform at Back to the Beginning was a definite highlight — a truth reflected by the deafening roar of the crowd when he walked out onstage to perform with one of the supergroups Morello meticulously put together. While Jake only did two albums with Ozzy — Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin — his impact on the guitar world is still felt today, not just from his head-turning soloing but also with his catchy, often quirky riffs. In fact, to many folks including myself, Jake’s stunning rhythm and lead work on the song “Bark at the Moon” alone is a true masterclass in both disciplines. Mr. Lee did, of course, play his signature Charvel guitars on the two songs he performed at Back to the Beginning, and Sweetwater carries a trio of them: two Jake E. Lee USA Signature models and the more affordable Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 (pictured below). It was wonderful to see this great player perform a couple of his classic Ozzy tunes again. Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list When it comes to amps, Jake’s preference is one of his two signature Friedman heads clad in eye-catching red vinyl: the 50-watt JEL-50 or the 20-watt JEL-20. For those who prefer the IR-loaded-pedal route for stage, studio, or both, the Friedman IR-J Jake E. Lee Signature dual-tube preamp will definitely tick all the boxes for you. Two tubes, two channels, effects loop, power-amp simulator, IR loader, and MIDI — this bad boy is ready to roll right out of the box. Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Zakk Wylde: Call of Duty, Double Duty The one and only Father Zakk performed double duty at Back to the Beginning: first with the Pantera Celebration set and then alongside the man he affectionately refers to as “the boss” and who introduced him to the guitar-playing world, Ozzy Osbourne. In addition to his heart, head, and hands, there are several other essential ingredients that help create Zakk’s tonal “soup.” The first ones are his EMG 81 (bridge) and 85 (neck) pickups, which have been in his guitars since the mid-’80s. While you can, of course, purchase them separately, the EMG ZW Zakk Wylde Signature 81/85 humbucker pickup set is available at Sweetwater and comes with everything you need — including a collectable Zakk pick! We can’t forget his quintet of Wylde Audio signature stompboxes with MXR and Dunlop. There’s the Dunlop Wylde Audio Cry Baby, the Dunlop Wylde Audio Rotovibe, the MXR Wylde Audio Chorus, the MXR Wylde Audio Overdrive, and the MXR Wylde Audio Phase. Phew! And, just so you know, his chorus (which splits his signal to two stacks in stereo) is always on, and so is his overdrive pedal — unless he’s playing something clean, of course, such as “Planet Caravan,” which he played with Philip, Rex, and Charlie earlier that day. Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Zakk’s last-ever live performance with “the boss” was a truly memorable one, and the bond between the two of them was palpable, as was the passion in their performances. Of course, Zakk played remarkably... as always! And yes, both his Wylde Audio Chorus and Overdrive pedals were engaged! Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Before we look at a few more pieces of signature gear belonging to some of the other world-class axemen whose bands performed at Back to the Beginning, there are two guitarists who also hit the stage that definitely deserve a special shout-out. Tom Morello: Boss on Parade The man whose unique guitar playing and writing style were the driving force behind two huge bands — Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave — was given the herculean task of organizing the Back to the Beginning concert talent, and boy, did he rise to the task and then some. As Guitar World pointed out, “the event featured arguably the greatest lineup of rock and metal bands ever assembled in one day.” And when you add the Who’s Who of special guests that performed in the supergroups, the array of talent becomes even more impressive... if that’s possible! Thankfully, despite his workload, Tom was able to strap on his guitar and perform on a number of songs including “Breaking the Law” with K.K. Downing plus “Walk This Way” and “Whole Lotta Love” with Steven Tyler singing as only he can. And, as previously mentioned, his impassioned Randy Rhoads speech was impeccable. We currently offer the Fender Tom Morello Stratocaster, and if you’re a fan of Tom’s tone, then the MXR Tom Morello Power 50 overdrive pedal is definitely worth checking out. This powerhouse stompbox emulates the preamp of Morello’s trusty 50-watt Marshall 2205 amp and not only includes controls for Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, and Gain but also houses an effects loop. Yep, this is definitely an “amp in a box” pedal in the truest sense! Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Nuno Bettencourt: Get the Chops Out To say that I, like countless others, was completely blown away by this fine Portuguese chap’s sterling six-string contribution to Back to the Beginning would be a gross understatement. Mr. Bettencourt performed no fewer than 11 songs during the two supergroup sections of the show, and his reverently accurate soloing on songs such as “Bark at the Moon” and “Flying High Again” was simply divine. Talk about delivering the goods! The fact Nuno donned a Diogo Jota Liverpool #20 jersey onstage while performing “Changes” in memory of the Portuguese soccer star, whose life was cut tragically short in a car accident on July 3, was a wonderfully moving tribute that touched the hearts of many — yours truly included. As you’d hope and expect, Sweetwater offers Mr. Bettencourt’s distinctive signature Washburn N4 guitars, all featuring the Buzz Feiten Tuning System plus a Stephen’s Extended Cutway for easy upper-fret access. Several options are available, including the classy N4-Nuno Walnut USA model pictured below. I’d also like to mention that, since Wolfgang Van Halen unfortunately had to drop out of the concert at the 11th hour due to touring logistics, Nuno’s workload was dramatically increased literally at the last minute — making his caliber of playing even more impressive! Much respect. Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list James Hetfield & Kirk Hammett: Damage Inc. The simple fact that stadium-filling acts such as Metallica and Guns N’ Roses traveled to England to play short sets at a charity event speaks volumes to just how much reverence, respect, and love they have for Black Sabbath and Ozzy. So much so, in fact, that Metallica included two Black Sabbath covers in their six-song set: “Hole in the Sky” and the lesser-known deep cut from the Never Say Die! album “Johnny Blade.” Both James and Kirk have several signature ESP and ESP LTD guitar models, and Kirk has a few with Epiphone and Gibson, too. In fact, their combined collection of signature axes warrants a separate article! The pair also each have signature EMG pickup sets; Kirk has his EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker signature humbucker pickup set, and James his EMG JH James Hetfield “Het” humbucker pickup set. Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Additionally, Kirk is so synonymous with his beloved Cry Baby wah, he once told me that he’ll probably “be buried with one of them in a wah-shaped coffin!” So, it seems only right to feature his favorite Dunlop pedal. Right now, as if to prove Kirk’s undeniable love for wah, we have no fewer than three versions of his signature Cry Baby on offer right now at Sweetwater: the original KH95, a Yellow Sparkle one, and a Purple one. Take your pick... Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Speaking of picks, James Hetfield is justifiably considered to be the GOAT of the all-important art of fast, furious, yet unerringly accurate downpicking. To help him achieve this benchmark, his choice of picks is paramount. It’s so important, in fact, that he has worked closely with the folks at Dunlop to develop his own pick design. First was the Black Fang, which came out several years ago. I was told by a close friend at Dunlop that using one would definitely speed up my picking. To be honest, I didn’t believe him! Then, to my shock, when I tried the ones he sent me, he was 110% correct. Thus, I found my new pick of choice — until recently, when the Hetfield/Dunlop team developed the White Fang, which is basically the perfect marriage of the Black Fang and a Dunlop Flow. I’ve been using them ever since. Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Slash: Appetite for Mega Tube Tone While both Metallica and the Pantera Celebration played two Black Sabbath covers in their short-but-sweet sets, Guns N’ Roses took the reverence to a whole new level by playing no fewer than four Sabbath covers in their six-song set! They kicked off with Axl doing a short rendition of “It’s Alright” on vocals and piano before launching into raunchy renditions of “Never Say Die,” “Junior’s Eyes,” and “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.” I have to say, Slash’s tone was magnificent — wide, loud, and clear with just the right amount of gloriously articulate, musical dirt. The band’s sassy, funky, driving version of the deep cut “Junior’s Eyes” (from the Never Say Die! album) was a smile-inducing surprise, and the wah-infused six-string interplay between Slash and Richard Fortus had an infectious groove. For three decades or so, the man in the top hat was known as being a “Les Paul into a Marshall stack” kinda guy. That all changed a few years ago, though, when all of a sudden one “M word” amp was replaced with another in his backline. The new “M word” in Slash’s sonic arsenal? Magnatone. While more than a tad surprised by this change, as soon as I heard Slash’s signature Magnatone tube head — the 100-watt SL-100 — I totally got it. Incidentally, if a 100-watt half stack is just too loud and bulky for your situation, then there’s a 12-watt, 1×10 tube combo, the Baby M-80 — clad in Slash Purple Python Tolex, no less! And let’s not forget Slash’s bevy of signature Gibson Les Pauls and his Dunlop pedals, including his trusty wah. Just search “Slash” on Sweetwater.com, and all will be revealed! Slash with his signature Magnatone SL-100 tube half stack Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Adam Jones: The Six-string Tool of His Trade Tool has always been shrouded in an air of mystery and intrigue. I vividly remember an 11-inch by 17-inch glossy Ozzfest tour program back in the day that had a black page with just the Tool logo on it — no photo or bio, unlike the other bands on the bill. That always stuck with me. So, when it was announced that Tool would perform at Back to the Beginning, it caused more than a ripple in the metal world. At the sonic heart of this enigmatic outfit lurks guitarist Adam Jones. A few years ago, Gibson released a cool, limited-edition, Murphy Lab-aged replica of Adam’s famous Silverburst 1979 Les Paul Custom. For those who didn’t snag one of these, Gibson now offers an Adam Jones Les Paul Standard in Antique Silverburst. There’s a fine Epiphone Adam Jones 1979 Les Paul Custom also available in Antique Silverburst for access to signature Tool tone and style at any price point. Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Lzzy Hale: An Electrifying Storm The force of nature we all know and love as Lzzy Hale really stood out at Back to the Beginning for several reasons including her electrifying stage presence and peerless pipes. Granted, one of the driving forces behind Back to the Beginning was one of the most respected (and feared — just ask any manager, label, or artist who has been foolish enough to cross her!) women in the industry, but Lzzy was the only woman to perform on this historic day. She first hit the stage with Halestorm, sandwiched between Anthrax and Lamb of God, and she literally took it by storm, closing her band’s brief banger of a set with a wonderful cover of “Perry Mason.” Then, if that wasn’t enough, she returned to the stage sans guitar and belted out a stunning vocal on the Ozzy gem “The Ultimate Sin” with both Jake E. Lee and Nuno Bettencourt on guitar. It’s no wonder Gibson is so proud to have her as a brand ambassador alongside the likes of Slash and Dave Mustaine. And she is the first female brand ambassador, as the company was thrilled to announce! The guitar Lzzy used during Halestorm’s barnstorming Back to the Beginning set was her eye-catching Gibson Lzzy Hale Explorerbird in striking Cardinal Red. If you want to be both seen and heard onstage, then this axe is for you! Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list Final Words Of course, I could go on and on, but this article is already a small book! That said, the likes of Kerry King and Gary Holt (Slayer); Mark Morton and Will Adler (Lamb of God); Scott Ian (Anthrax); Bill Kelliher and Nick Johnston (Mastodon); Joe Duplantier and Christian Andreu (Gojira); plus Vernon Reid and Billy Corgan all performed at Back to the Beginning, and all have signature offerings. And that’s just the guitarists — the bevy of brilliant bassists who also appeared and their signature gear are quite literally another story! In closing, Back to the Beginning was a memorable metal moment in time that will likely never be repeated or equaled. The reverence, respect, gratitude, love, and wonderful sense of community were beyond infectious. Any and all egos were checked at the door, and many millions of dollars were raised for three important charities. In short, everyone won on July 5: the 45,000 lucky enough to attend Villa Park, the five million who streamed the event, the trio of charities, and all the artists involved, too. As many of them put it, it was a joyously overwhelming “metal summer camp.” *Important Footnote: 07/15/25: According to the prestigious Billboard publication which keeps track of such events, “Ozzy Osbourne & Black Sabbath’s final show is the highest-grossing charity concert of all time.” The author, “Father Nick,” with Zakk Wylde after their video Zakk Wylde’s 5 Favorite Black Sabbath Riffs – InSync The post The Back to the Beginning Concert – Getting into Gear appeared first on InSync.
https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/the-back-to-the-beginning-concert-getting-into-gear/
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