Ozzy Osbourne Is Not About To Let Parkinson’s Stop Him From Performing With Black Sabbath

On July 5th, the original lineup of Black Sabbath, which consisted of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler will take the stage for one final concert together. For fans who were lucky enough to get a ticket, the concert included more than Black Sabbath as Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, and numerous others would also take the stage. And with many worried about Osbourne’s ongoing health issue, the iconic rocker promised that nothing was stopping him from the historic moment. 

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Speaking with The Guardian, Osbourne discussed his numerous health issues, including battling Parkinson’s. “You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong. You begin to think this is never going to end.” Giving some examples of the pain he felt almost daily, he said, “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.”

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Ozzy Osbourne Doing The Best He Can

Knowing how much fans wanted to see him on stage one last time, Osbourne insisted he wouldn’t be performing during the entire concert. Wanting to give fans the best show possible, he explained, “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 … a sample. You’re going to get a few songs each by Ozzy and Sabbath.”

Even with Osbourne’s health problems, he was excited to stand alongside the original lineup from Black Sabbath one more time. Titled Back to the Beginning, the concert will take place in Villa Park in Birmingham. Although Osbourne’s wife, Sharon Osbourne, helped put the schedule together, the legendary singer concluded, “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.”

Outside of the historic moment and amazing lineup, the concert will help raise funds for the Acorns Children’s Hospice, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Cure Parkinson’s. A night full of memorable music, legendary acts, and a great cause – the Back to the Beginning appeared to be the perfect setting for fans of heavy metal. 

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Live Nation)