Ozzy Osbourne Promises To Play Final Concert Regardless Of Health Struggles: ‘I’ll Do The Best I Can’

Legendary Ozzy Osbourne has confirmed he will perform one last time this summer, fronting the original Black Sabbath lineup despite significant ongoing health challenges. The highly anticipated reunion, dubbed “Back To The Beginning,” marks the first time Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward will share a stage in 20 years. The final concert is scheduled for July 5th, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.

The 76-year-old Osbourne, who hasn’t played a full show since late 2018, has faced a difficult period marked by extensive spinal surgery following a 2019 fall, a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis revealed in 2020, pneumonia, infections, and blood clots. These ailments have taken a toll, impacting his mobility and overall well-being.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Ozzy spoke candidly about his struggles: “You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong. You begin to think this is never going to end.” He acknowledged the physical limitations, stating, “I have problems walking. I also get blood pressure issues, from blood clots on my legs.“

Despite these hurdles, Osbourne is resolute about performing. “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up,” he affirmed. He revealed the concert was conceived by his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, as “something to give me a reason to get up in the morning.”

To prepare, Ozzy is undergoing rigorous training. “I do weights, bike riding, I’ve got a guy living at my house who’s working with me,” he explained. “It’s tough — I’ve been laid up for such a long time… It’s like starting all over again.” Speaking on SiriusXM’s Ozzy Speaks last month, he added, “It really is like starting from scratch… The first thing to go when you’re laid up is your stamina, so believe it or not, I’m doing two sets of three-minute walks a day and weight training.” He also confirmed, “I’ve got a vocal coach coming round four days a week to keep my voice going.” While Sharon noted his struggles with walking, she assured The Sun that his singing voice remains “as good as ever.”

Osbourne is managing expectations for his stage presence, admitting: “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.” He also clarified the scope of the performance: “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.” He further elaborated on his role: “I’m not planning on doing a set with Black Sabbath but I am doing little bits and pieces with them. I am doing what I can, where I feel comfortable.”

Reflecting on his condition, Ozzy maintains perspective: “I have made it to 2025. I can’t walk, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all my complaining, I’m still alive… I’m not dead. I’m still actively doing things.”

The “Back To The Beginning” event boasts a massive lineup of bands inspired by Sabbath, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Anthrax, Gojira, Alice in Chains, and Halestorm. Proceeds from the historic show will benefit Cure Parkinson’s, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.

Sharon Osbourne told BBC News that Ozzy is “doing great” and is “so excited about this, about being with the guys again and all his friends. It’s exciting for everyone.”