**Legendary ’80s Rock Star Explains Why His Band Missed Ozzy Osbourne’s Farewell Concert**
*By Jenna Michaels | July 11, 2025*
In a revelation that has stunned rock fans around the globe, former frontman of the iconic 1980s hard rock band *Black Vulture*, Johnny Blaze, has come forward to explain why his band was a no-show at Ozzy Osbourne’s epic farewell concert last month—a concert many have dubbed the “last true night of metal.”
Ozzy’s final performance at London’s Wembley Stadium on June 14 drew over 90,000 fans and featured a jaw-dropping lineup of rock and metal royalty, from Metallica and Judas Priest to surprise appearances by Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie. But one act that fans had eagerly anticipated, and which was prominently listed on promotional materials, never made it to the stage: *Black Vulture*.
The absence of the hard-partying, leather-clad legends led to weeks of speculation. Rumors ranged from a backstage brawl to a contract dispute with Osbourne’s management. However, in a candid interview with *Rock Inferno Weekly* published today, Johnny Blaze, 66, offered a much more unexpected explanation—one that fans are calling “so rock ’n’ roll it hurts.”
“We missed the gig because we got *lost*,” Blaze admitted, laughing hoarsely. “I wish I was kidding. Our driver took a wrong turn somewhere outside of Brighton, and the next thing we knew we were in a tiny village called Lower Tewbury, arguing with a guy in a pub who thought we were a Rolling Stones tribute band.”
Blaze says the band had opted not to travel with their usual tour manager due to budget cuts for the one-off appearance. Instead, they relied on their longtime roadie, Spike “Speedy” Daniels, to coordinate transportation. Unfortunately, Speedy hadn’t driven in the UK since 1997 and apparently forgot about the country’s famously confusing roundabouts.
“Speedy swore he was following GPS,” Blaze continued. “But the van didn’t even have GPS—it was his iPhone taped to the dash with a cracked screen. We lost signal somewhere after passing a sheep farm and just kept going.”
By the time the band realized they were headed in the wrong direction, it was already 9:45 p.m.—barely 30 minutes before their scheduled set time. They tried to get in touch with concert organizers, but their phones had no signal and the town of Lower Tewbury had “exactly one payphone and it didn’t work.”
Blaze says the band ended up performing an impromptu acoustic set in the pub for a crowd of 12 very confused villagers. “We played ‘Ravens in the Rain’ and ‘Electric Widow’ with borrowed acoustic guitars. One guy cried. Said it reminded him of his ex-wife.”
Despite missing what was likely the most high-profile concert of the decade, Blaze has no regrets. “Look, Ozzy’s a legend. We wanted to be there. But at the end of the day, we played for the people who showed up—just like we always have.”
Osbourne’s camp has yet to comment on the situation, but fans on social media have taken the story in stride. #LostVultures trended for two days straight on X (formerly Twitter), with memes depicting *Black Vulture* stranded in a foggy English village, trying to trade guitar picks for directions.
Some have even called for a documentary. “This is Spinal Tap, but real,” wrote one user. “Let’s get Netflix on this, stat.”
As for what’s next, Blaze hinted at a new *Black Vulture* EP in the works, inspired by their misadventure. Tentatively titled **“Lower Tewbury Blues,”** the record is expected to feature stripped-down, acoustic takes on their classic hits, along with a new song called “Pub Rock Redemption.”
“I think this whole thing reminded us why we started in the first place,” Blaze reflected. “It’s not about stadiums or screaming crowds. It’s about the music, man—even if it’s in a pub full of strangers who think you’re Mick Jagger.”
And with that, Johnny Blaze walked off into the sunset—or more accurately, hopped onto a train heading back to London, reportedly using a paper map this time.
