Ozzy Osbourne will this summer deliver his own short set before he joins Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward on stage for The Back To The Beginning show
Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne said he “may be sitting down” for his final performance amid ongoing issues with his health.
The 76-year-old singer will deliver his own short set this summer before he joins Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for their first performance together in 20 years. It forms The Back To The Beginning show on July 5 at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, where it all began for the rockers in 1968.
Although Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in January 2020, the musician has continued to perform infrequently, including at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which were held in his home city.
But the veteran artist acknowledges this summer’s gig may be his last – and he may have to perform it sitting down. He said: “I’m used to doing two hours on stage, jumping and running around. I don’t think I’ll be doing much jumping or running around this time. I may be sitting down.”
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Nevertheless, tickets for the all-day event – a fundraising concert – reportedly sold out within 16 minutes in February as fans scrambled for a chance to see Ozzy and his pals reunite. Ticket prices soared to £795, which left fans fuming.
Speaking to The Guardian this week, Ozzy continued: “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up… We’re only playing a couple of songs each. I don’t want people thinking ‘we’re getting ripped off’, because it’s just going to be … what’s the word? … a sample, you’re going to get a few songs each by Ozzy and Sabbath.”
The star had extensive spinal surgery in 2023, three years after his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. The father of five told reporters this week he now has problems walking, but is determined these won’t stop him impressing supporters at the gig in the summer.
“I do weights, bike riding, I’ve got a guy living at my house who’s working with me. It’s tough – 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,” the singer said.
“I’ve got a vocal coach coming round four days a week to keep my voice going. I have problems walking. I also get blood pressure issues, from blood clots on my legs.”
The all-day event at Villa Park will also feature sets by a host of major metal bands including Metallica, Slayer and Alice In Chains. Black Sabbath, who were formed in the city, played what was billed to be their “last” gig with Ozzy, guitarist Tony and bassist Geezer – but without Bill on drums – in 2017. Yet determined Ozzy, who married author and music manager Sharon in 1982, has defied the odds since then to continue to delight his fans.