Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne recently reassured fans by saying he is determined to not let his health problems stop him from playing Black Sabbath’s last ever gig in their hometown of Aston Villa. The well-known metal legend confirmed back in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and had been suffering with numerous other serious health issues.
The 76-year-old told more in an interview with The Guardian: “You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong. You begin to think this is never going to end.I have problems walking. I also get blood pressure issues from blood clots on my legs. 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.” The ‘Paranoid’ singer went on to mention about how having his wife Sharon by his side and organising the hometown reunion gave him motivation and “a reason to get up in the morning”, adding that he has been working alongside a vocal coach and been going to the gym to make sure he is able to perform the entirety of the concert. The heavy-metal pioneers have made sure to curate a day filled with dozens of bands they’ve inspired such as Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Slash, Tom Morello, Gojira and Anthrax.
The concert will mark the first time in 20 years the band’s original line-up is back together with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. Osbourne, who has been forced to stop touring due to a combination of Parkinson’s and spinal injuries, will play a short solo set before joining his bandmates.
Osbourne’s wife Sharon told BBC News, “He’s doing great. He’s doing really great. 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 no been no full stop. This is his full stop.”
The one-time reunion concert will raise funds for charities Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice. Tickets for the day are now available via Ticketmaster.
