You Review It: Black Sabbath at Lollapalooza

(Photo by Steve C. Mitchell/Invision/AP)

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In one of the most anticipated classic rock concerts in recent memory, Black Sabbath reunited for an epic headlining performance at Lollapalooza 2012 in Chicago. The band was minus drummer Bill Ward, who continues to battle over his contract, but Ozzy Osbourne’s drummer Tommy Clufetos filled in admirably, even adding a drum solo to let Ozzy, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler take a break.

Chicago-based blog Chicago Rants attended the show and was beyond happy with the set list, while noting the band’s great overall sound during the performance. The set list wisely skewed heavily toward the band’s legendary first three LPs, Black Sabbath, Paranoid, and Master of Reality, which means it was filled with classic after classic. You can see the entire set list and plenty of videos of the show at Brooklyn Vegan.

Fan photos of the show on Twitter show a stage filled with fiery video effects to complement the sonic hellfire Black Sabbath songs rain down on live crowds. Even the non-heavy metal fans were impressed.

Don't even like metal but black sabbath was awesome http://t.co/2S4EKgoW
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Marisela Fonseca (@maads92) August 04, 2012

RT @chef_derek: Day1 #lolla: VIP lounge, m86, black keys, black sabbath... #notbadday. (cc @theAnnetteRose ) http://t.co/OY8M1QUi
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Annette Rose (@theAnnetteRose) August 04, 2012

@lollapalooza Ozzy Osborne and Toni Iommi from Black Sabbath.T'was awesome. I'm glad I saw them at least once #DellLive http://t.co/6LJmVvZr
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José A. Martinez (@bluejosem) August 04, 2012

Ozzy osborne & black sabbath @lollapalooza http://t.co/QM9I7g7x
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Iñaki De la Muelat™ (@Inakidelamuelat) August 04, 2012

Black Sabbath at #Lolla! http://t.co/rVR3POoh
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Joe Cajindos (@jcajindos) August 04, 2012

Fan tweets offered some similar reactions, one of them being disbelief that Black Sabbath were actually performing together in front of them.

I cannot believe I am seeing ozzy osbourne and black Sabbath right now #lolla
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Corbin Blankenstein (@truecb) August 04, 2012

I just heard Black Sabbath. Omg. I can't even explain that.
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Joshua Neyhart (@maniacmiler) August 04, 2012

Can't believe I'm seeing Black Sabbath perform! I <3 #Lolla
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bri^y (@StarOfD00m) August 04, 2012

Whether intentional or not, many fans tweeted morbid messages of dying happy and the band “killing it.” The original heavy metal icons will do that to you.

Saw Black Sabbath live. Can now die happy. <3
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Allie (@alliewojcik) August 05, 2012

Seeing Black Sabbath live. Another item off of my list of things to do before I die. About to happen! #lolla
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Scott Goldstein (@GoldyHawks) August 04, 2012

I got to see my two favorite Black Sabbath songs live in addition to the most legendary drum solo I've ever seen. I can die happy. #lolla
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gina russell (@geenuhhhh) August 04, 2012

Black Sabbath are killing it #blacksabbath #lolla @lollapalooza
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Jilly Mc Donough (@Jillers101) August 04, 2012

Omg Black Sabbath is KILLING it #lolla
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Alex Alvarez (@AlvarezAlex27) August 04, 2012

Black Sabbath killed it! #lolla2012 http://t.co/EASHCzvD
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August Marron (@augustmarron) August 04, 2012

If you’ve seen Sabbath live before, you understand how hard it would be not to scream along with songs like “War Pigs” and “Iron Man.” These two fans who lost their voice at the show probably weren’t alone in waking up muted.