We watched and we witnessed the greatness of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath come to a close at the beginning of July. The band and solo icon had both slowed over the years, of course, but a proper farewell was needed. It was brilliant.
Other iconic musical artists, while not all matching the scope or influence of Sabbath and Ozzy, might be drawing closer to the end, too. These people also deserve a fond farewell in the cities that made them famous.
But which ones? A few are suggested below. One is probably a long way from being done, but for the rest, the end is nigh.
These four bands deserve their own fond farewell just as Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath had
Aerosmith
The end is probably near for Steven Tyler and the band because of Tyler's recent health issues. He sounded in fine voice at the Black Sabbath farewell gig, but how many shows can he do, and how long would the concerts last? Doing a three-song gig is not going to work.
The band could have one final gig at Fenway Park, as the band began in Boston. Loads of other Boston bands could be involved, too. Maybe even the Cars get back together for the gig. The Dropkick Murphys should be involved, too.
The Who
How many times has the band called it quits only to get back together for another tour? Too many. It is like Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey need the money. A quick Google search of net worth has Townshend listed with $150 million (which seems low) and Daltrey with $60 million (which also seems low).
Townshend recently said that playing on the Who's current tour seems like the band is playing in a tribute band. There is one way to fix this. Stop playing. Having one final gig at Wembley Stadium in London and call it quits.
Metallica
This is in no way to say that Metallica needs to stop creating music. The band should be a long way from that, but the bandmates are not getting younger. Maybe the band (in a few decades) could play a final show and invite Dave Mustaine on in a kind of unifying moment.
On second thought, Mustaine doesn't deserve that. Instead, Metallica would hold a show at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles and have bands such as Anthrax and Pantera open for them. Those bands played at the Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath farewell, too, but overlap is good in this situation.
Rolling Stones
The day the Stones stop touring will be a truly sad day for planet Earth. While the lads are into their 80s now, Mick Jagger, for one, always felt eternal. Maybe he will be performing into his 130s and is part vampire. He will still entertain.
The show has to take place at Wembley in London. Paul McCartney must be there, but players like Buddy Guy need to be there, too. Sabbath and Ozzy might be the greatest day in metal history, but the Rolling Stones goodbye could be the best day in rock history.