What happens when lifelong fandom meets musical opportunity? Matt Hughes knows firsthand. Having grown up purchasing Black Sabbath albums, Matt eventually found himself trading guitar solos with Tony Iommi and jamming alongside Bill Ward through Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp experiences that transformed his relationship with music.

The most remarkable chapters of Matt's story revolve around Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, which he describes as "life-changing." Through this innovative program, musicians of all skill levels get to perform with rock legends. For Matt, this meant playing Hendrix's "Hey Joe" with Bill Ward and Lita Ford, and later receiving "the nod" from Tony Iommi to take a guitar solo during Black Sabbath's "Into the Void." These surreal moments—capped by Iommi gifting him a guitar pick—illustrate how the boundaries between fan and musician can beautifully blur.

As we anticipate Black Sabbath and Ozzy's final performance together in Birmingham on July 5, 2025, Matt's experiences offer a unique perspective on music's power to create meaningful connections across decades. His story reminds us that passion, persistence, and a willingness to participate can transform our relationship with the music and artists we love.

We also look back at the Billboard Hot 100 Chart from July 13, 1985. Songs included are Dire Straits "Money for Nothing" and Dead or Alive "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)." What made #1? Listen to find out!!!

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