The legendary lead vocalist of Black Sabbath is officially announced to grace the stage one last time with his bandmates despite the debilitating effects of Parkinson's disease.
- Feb 7, 2025
AceShowbiz - Under the shadow of health concerns, Ozzy Osbourne and the original line-up of Black Sabbath will perform together for the first time in over two decades. The historic concert is scheduled for July 5 at Aston Villa's Villa Park in Birmingham, marking what is planned as their grand farewell.
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife, detailed the emotional and physical challenges that lie ahead for her husband. "He's very happy to be coming back and very emotional about this. Parkinson's is a progressive disease. It's not something you can stabilise," she said. "It affects different parts of the body and it's affected his legs. But his voice is as good as it's ever been."
Despite his struggles with Parkinson's since 2003, Ozzy remains resilient. In a candid conversation on Sirius XM, he shared, "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."
The event, titled "Back to the Beginning," will see Ozzy perform a brief solo set before rejoining bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. The line-up promises an unforgettable experience, featuring legendary acts like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Lamb of God, and Anthrax.
Profits from the concert will be donated to Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorn Children's Hospice. Sharon Osbourne expressed her pride in the cause, stating that the event will not only honor Black Sabbath's legacy but also give back to the community.
Ozzy has mostly retreated from live shows since his diagnosis, with his last significant appearance was at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in 2022. Reflecting on his tumultuous journey, he told Rolling Stone UK, "I'm taking it one day at a time, and if I can perform again, I will. But it's been like saying farewell to the best relationship of my life."
As the heavy metal community gears up for this milestone event, Ozzy's indomitable spirit and enduring voice promise to make "Back to the Beginning" a concert for the ages.
