Interview with a ‘Madman’: Ozzy Osbourne talks Black Sabbath farewell

Black Sabbath is one of my all-time favorite bands, right up there with Joy Division, Pink Floyd and the Cowboy Junkies.

And I’m going to miss Sabbath terribly after it waves goodbye at the conclusion of The End Tour, which includes a stop on Sept. 15 at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Show time is 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $45-$150, www.ticketmaster.com.

So I jumped at a recent chance to interview Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who has also released such sensational solo offerings as “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary of a Madman.” Note, however, that he made it clear before the email interview that he would not respond to questions about his recent marital problems.

Q I have already seen this tour and can attest that Sabbath still rocks. What are your thoughts about how the band is playing these days?

A We are having a lot of fun and going better than ever.

Q It’s been several months since the band announced its farewell tour. Any second thoughts on the decision?

A There will always be second thoughts, but everything needs to come to an end at some point. We want to finish on a high note, and the tour is certainly proving to be one.

Q Has the reality of “The End” hit you yet?

A No, and it probably won’t until we get offstage from our final show.

Q Does each performance mean more this time around? Since you know that you don’t have that many left.

A No. Sometimes, I reflect to some of the early shows we did and can’t believe we are still getting to perform. It makes me smile.

Q Is all of this leaving you feeling quite nostalgic?

A Yes, of course, it is making me feel very, very nostalgic.

Q What will you miss most about taking the stage as Black Sabbath?

A I’ll definitely miss playing with Tony and Geezer (guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler).

Q How do you think Black Sabbath will be remembered?

A If we are remembered at all, that is good enough for me.

Q What’s your favorite part of the Sabbath show?

A The whole thing, really. We’re just doing classic Sabbath. It’s good fun, and the audience seems to be enjoying it as well.

Q Do you have a favorite Sabbath song?

A No, I don’t have just one favorite

Q Fingers crossed … Any chance you’ll announce another round of North American dates in 2017?

A No. This is it! We have our final shows booked in Birmingham in February.

Q Will you continue to perform live after Sabbath is done?

A I will be continuing on. I have a few song ideas already and will be heading back out on the road at some point.

Q Will you include Sabbath material in your own set lists?

A I have always included Black Sabbath songs in my set, and intend to continue doing so.

AT THE FOX: There’s a bunch of cool shows this month at the Fox Theater in Oakland. Here’s a rundown. For tickets and more information, visit www.apeconcerts.com.

• Tedeschi Trucks Band: Enjoy two nights of fretboard fireworks with guitar heroes Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks (7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday: $52.50-$72.50)

• Local Natives: The SoCal indie-rock troupe broke onto the scene with “Gorilla Manor” in 2009 and has been going strong ever since. (8 p.m. Sept. 17; $35)

• Atmosphere: The Minnesota hip-hop duo, consisting of rapper Slug and DJ Ant, is touring in support of the recently released studio effort “Fishing Blues.” (8 p.m. Sept. 19; $37.50)

• St. Paul and the Broken Bones: Unfamiliar with this dynamic Alabama soul-rock outfit? Do yourself a major favor and give St. Paul and the Broken Bones a try. (8 p.m. Sept. 21; $29.50)

Follow Jim Harrington at twitter.com/jimthecritic.