Ozzy Osbourne is determined to perform at Black Sabbath’s final show, despite the challenges. As he prepares for his first full concert since 2018, Osbourne discussed his efforts to get ready for the July 5 “Back to the Beginning” show in Birmingham, England, during the latest episode of the SiriusXM show “Ozzy Speaks” with Billy Morrison.
“I haven’t done any physical work for the last six and a half, seven years,” Osbourne said, vowing, “by hook or by crook, I’m gonna make it [to the stage at Villa Park].” The concert, marking Black Sabbath’s final appearance, will feature an all-star lineup including Metallica, Mastodon, Anthrax, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Gojira, Slayer, and a supergroup with members of Guns N’ Roses, the Smashing Pumpkins, Limp Bizkit, Judas Priest, and Rage Against the Machine.
Osbourne, 76, explained that he has enlisted the help of a trainer following several challenging years, which included spinal surgery and a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. “It’s hard going, but he’s convinced that he can pull it off for me. I’m giving it everything I’ve got,” he said.
Though Osbourne admitted to waking up stressed about the show, he emphasized the importance of not getting overwhelmed. “Sometimes [I stress], but if I start obsessing all the time, I’ll be insane by Friday, you know?” he said. “So, I’m just taking it one day at a time. All I can say is I’m giving 120%. If my God wants me to do the show, I’ll do it.”
In a recent interview with the Guardian, Osbourne reiterated, “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.” His comments align with remarks from Tool singer Maynard James Keenan, who suggested it would take “modern miracles” for Osbourne to deliver one of his legendary high-energy performances given his health issues.
Osbourne, who last performed a full concert on Dec. 31, 2018, two months before announcing his Parkinson’s diagnosis, has set realistic expectations for the July show. In February, he stated he wasn’t “planning on doing a set with Black Sabbath,” but rather “little bits and pieces” with the group. “I am doing what I can, where I feel comfortable,” he promised.
