While the curtain is set to fall on what is being promoted as his final live appearance, Ozzy Osbourne isn’t ready to call it quits creatively. The iconic Black Sabbath frontman has made it clear that, although the upcoming “Back to the Beginning” concert marks a significant chapter’s end, it’s far from the conclusion of his musical journey.
Speaking with Metal Hammer, Osbourne opened up about his ongoing passion for music, even as he continues to manage the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. “I am very blessed to say my goodbyes with the help of so many amazing musicians and friends,” he said. “From the late ’60s, we are probably one of the only bands where the original members are still alive and speaking with one another. As my wife says, it’s an invisible bond that can’t be broken.”
Despite stepping away from the stage, Ozzy made it clear that his work in the studio is far from over. “I still enjoy doing my own work. I also enjoy singing on other people’s work,” he explained. “For the foreseeable future, I will keep on recording if the projects interest me. It’s very important.”
The upcoming July 5 event at Villa Park in Birmingham is set to be a milestone in rock history. Not only will it be Osbourne’s final live performance, but it will also feature a rare reunion of Black Sabbath’s original lineup—Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—performing together in their hometown for the first time in more than two decades.
Reuniting for such an epic occasion hasn’t been without its challenges, especially for drummer Bill Ward. Having been off the stadium circuit for many years, Ward, now in his late 70s, has been undergoing a strict physical routine to prepare. “I played for two hours yesterday, very loud. I’m doing sparring, boxing — that keeps my upper body fit,” he said.
When asked what motivated him to rejoin the band, Ward was candid. “They’re still my brothers,” he said. “They’ll always be my brothers. It doesn’t matter how much we argue. I grew up with them. I love them.”
Reflecting on his career, Ward added, “BLACK SABBATH was the best thing that ever happened to me. My life would have been terrible otherwise. I was a lost kid in my teenage years, all I could identify with was drums and rock and roll.”
“Back to the Beginning” promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime gathering, with a massive supporting lineup that includes Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Tool, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, Anthrax, Sammy Hagar, Lamb of God, and Papa V Perpetua.
