Black Sabbath calls it a night at the Tacoma Dome — for good

From Ozzy Osbourne’s throaty screams to Tony Iommi’s ribbons of guitar notes, Black Sabbath was Black Sabbath at least one more time Saturday (Feb. 6) at the Tacoma Dome.

It was the Northwest stop of the band’s final tour, billed as “The End.” It’s safe to say the expectations of the 20,000-plus fans there were met — and probably exceeded.

The group credited with inventing heavy metal began with its titular track, as the JumboTron showed a demon born from a red egg and light washed over the crowd like a bath of fire. The rush of energy in the Dome felt genuine and celebratory

Osbourne, Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler were joined by 36-year-old drummer Tommy Clufetos, who filled in for original member Bill Ward.

Known for its looming, brooding rebellion and big, bassy rhythms mixed with quick yet heavy guitar riffs, the band struck note after note, beat after beat perfectly during its 14-song, 100-minute set. Butler and Iommi were exceedingly proficient, their fingers metronomic.