At a Glance
- Ozzy Osbourne, 76, battles Parkinson’s and mobility issues
- Final Black Sabbath concert set for July 5, 2025, in Birmingham
- Sharon Osbourne orchestrated the farewell to inspire Ozzy
- Original Black Sabbath lineup to reunite for the first time in 20 years
- Proceeds to benefit Parkinson’s and children’s charities
The Long Goodbye
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, is preparing for his final performance amid a relentless battle with Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed in 2020, Osbourne has faced numerous health challenges, including multiple spinal surgeries after a devastating fall in 2019. Now 76, he navigates daily struggles with pain and immobility, but his resolve to return to the stage remains unshaken, as detailed in a recent New York Post interview.
The farewell concert, titled Back to the Beginning, is slated for July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham—his hometown and the birthplace of heavy metal. This historic event marks the first reunion of Black Sabbath’s original lineup—Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—in two decades, a moment fans thought might never come. Despite being unable to walk, Ozzy confirmed he’ll perform a limited set, bolstered by physical therapy and raw determination, as reported by People Magazine.
Watch Sharon Osbourne’s announcement about the final concert at Sharon Osbourne ANNOUNCES Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Show.
A Family Affair
The idea for the final concert came from Sharon Osbourne, his longtime manager and wife, who believed a farewell show would give him new purpose. Sharon emphasized in interviews that although Ozzy’s Parkinson’s has taken a toll on his body, his voice remains remarkably intact. “He’s very happy to be coming back and very emotional about this,” she shared in the Today Show coverage, reflecting on the concert’s deep emotional stakes.
Ozzy himself offered a moment of gratitude and reflection. “I can’t walk, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all my complaining, I’m still alive,” he told Today. Even as he prepares for what he calls his final act, he continues rigorous physical therapy to keep his muscles working, aided by a devoted care team.
The Fight Behind the Curtain
Since his diagnosis, Osbourne has made it a mission to speak openly about the psychological toll of Parkinson’s. He recently revealed, “You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong,” shedding light on the unpredictable progression of the disease. As reported by NY Post, he also admitted to fears that “this is never going to end,” an admission that resonates deeply with others battling chronic illness.
Alongside his mental health advocacy, Ozzy remains candid about the brutal realities of his condition. “(My bodyguard) had to bring me back to life twice,” he revealed, recalling emergency incidents from recent years. Despite these scares, he says he’s focused on the future and determined to go out on his own terms. In April 2025, he underwent what he declared would be his final neck surgery, stating, “I can’t do it anymore… Regardless of how it ends up, I’m not doing it again,” as noted in People’s coverage.
Ozzy’s last performance isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a public celebration of endurance. All proceeds from the concert are expected to benefit Parkinson’s and children’s health charities, turning his final bow into a powerful act of giving.
