Fans hoping for a complete Black Sabbath reunion at Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert may need to adjust their expectations. The heavy metal icon announced he will not perform a full set with the band.
Osbourne shared the news on his SiriusXM program, “Ozzy Speaks,” on the channel Ozzy’s Boneyard, as he discussed plans for the “Back to the Beginning” concert.
Billed as “the final show,” the event’s lineup includes Black Sabbath and Osbourne, along with major acts such as Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. Other prominent performers include Pantera, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, and recent Grammy winners Gojira.
“I’m not planning on doing a set with Black Sabbath, but I am doing little bits and pieces with them,” Osbourne said. “I am doing what I can, where I feel comfortable.”
Osbourne last performed a full set on Dec. 31, 2018, during the final show of his No More Tours tour. Two months later, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, leading to numerous cancellations and affecting plans for further large-scale performances.
“I am trying to get back on my feet,” he added. “When you get up in the morning, you just jump out of bed. I have to balance myself, but I’m not dead. I’m still actively doing things.”
These remarks align with a previous update from Osbourne earlier this month, where he assured listeners that he’s continuing despite his health challenges.
“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,” he said. “I may be moaning that I can’t walk, but I look down the road, and there’s people that didn’t do half as much as me and didn’t make it.”
Following the announcement of the July concert, Osbourne’s wife and manager, Sharon, told the BBC that the show is an opportunity for Osbourne to conclude a career recently marked by cancellations and health issues.
“He’s doing great. He’s doing really great,” she said. “He’s so excited about this, about being with the guys again and all his friends. It’s exciting for everyone.”
“Ozzy didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to his friends, to his fans, and he feels there’s been no full stop. This is his full stop.
