Ozzy Osbourne, the lead singer of Black Sabbath, has expressed uncertainties about his final performance due to ongoing health issues. Set to take place on July 5, the “Back To The Beginning” show will feature the 76-year-old musician performing a short set before reuniting with his bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the first time in 20 years.
In an interview with the Guardian, Osbourne revealed, “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.” His battle with health problems escalated in 2020 when he disclosed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and underwent spinal surgery in 2023, leading to a pause in touring.
Osbourne shared how the upcoming reunion concert was initiated by his wife, Sharon, to give him a renewed sense of purpose. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of his physical recovery, stating, “I’ve been laid up for such a long time. I’ve been lying on my back doing nothing and the first thing to go is your strength. It’s like starting all over again.”
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Acknowledging the impact of his health challenges, Osbourne confessed, “I have problems walking. I also get blood pressure issues, from blood clots on my legs.” He revealed that his physical limitations might affect his performance, saying, “I may be sitting down” and that the set will be concise.
Amidst speculations about his setlist, former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar disclosed that Osbourne plans to perform five songs, including “No More Tears.” Concerns about Osbourne’s health surfaced following a fall at home in 2019 and a lingering impact from a near-fatal quad bike crash in 2003.
His battle with Parkinson’s has been an ongoing challenge, and in 2020, he expressed eagerness to return to touring once his health improved. The all-day event at Villa Park in Birmingham will also showcase performances by leading metal bands such as Metallica, Slayer, and Alice In Chains.
Black Sabbath’s journey, which commenced in 1968 in Birmingham, eventually led them to become one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time, selling over 75 million albums worldwide. Inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, the band’s legacy is indelible in the history of heavy rock.
Osbourne’s influence extends beyond his musical career, as he gained further prominence through the reality TV series “The Osbournes,” where he appeared alongside his wife Sharon and their children – Aimee, Jack, and Kelly.