by Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo recently shared an emotional memory of witnessing Black Sabbath’s soundcheck. He described the powerful impact the legendary band had on everyone present, as revealed in The Metallica Report.
In episode 112 of the podcast, Trujillo reflected on watching the band prepare for their “Back To The Beginning” performance on Thursday, July 3, two days before the main event.
“They were soundchecking, and Ozzy wasn’t on stage yet. And even just hearing them warm up on their instruments, this is a whole another level,” Trujillo said. “This is like watching Muhammad Ali shadow box or hit the speed bag — it’s that intense.”
The bassist described the profound effect the music had on the small group of witnesses present during the soundcheck.
“Everybody that was watching — there were a few of us — just started headbanging, and we were all smiling. And some people were crying, some people were crying,” he continued. “It was so beautiful, and it was a powerful moment that anybody that witnessed it, that was something that they’ll probably remember for the rest of their lives.”
Trujillo emphasized the lasting significance of the experience and the command that Black Sabbath’s music holds over audiences.
“But it was a special day. And to see the command that those songs and just the feel of that music has on all of us is really something special,” he concluded.
Trujillo’s deep appreciation for Black Sabbath stems from his extensive musical background and personal connections to the band’s legacy. His emotional response to witnessing the legendary group reflects both his professional expertise and genuine reverence for their pioneering influence on heavy metal.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Trujillo’s connection to Black Sabbath runs deeper than most musicians. He served as Ozzy Osbourne’s bassist for seven years before joining Metallica. This experience gave him intimate knowledge of the band’s catalog and Ozzy’s performance style, making his witness to the soundcheck even more meaningful.
The bassist’s journey to becoming one of metal’s most respected musicians began long before his tenure with either Ozzy or Metallica. Wikipedia noted that Trujillo joined Metallica in 2003, becoming the band’s longest-serving bassist. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the group in 2009. This achievement underscores his significant contributions to the metal community and validates his perspective on witnessing Black Sabbath’s raw power.
Trujillo’s emotional reaction also highlights the enduring influence of Black Sabbath on subsequent generations of metal musicians. His comparison of the band’s warm-up to Muhammad Ali’s training demonstrates the level of mastery and intensity that Black Sabbath brings to their craft, even during casual preparation.
The bassist’s ability to recognize and articulate such moments of musical greatness speaks to his deep understanding of the genre’s history. It also shows his position as both a participant and observer in metal’s evolution. His tears during the soundcheck represent not just personal emotion, but a recognition of witnessing living legends at work.
