Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Ozzy Osbourne Clarifies He Won’t Perform Full Set with Black Sabbath

Carlos Varela, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Carlos Varela, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary heavy metal musician, has announced that he will not be performing a full set with Black Sabbath at their upcoming final reunion concert. Set to take place in July, the concert will feature an impressive lineup including Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and many others. The event, titled “Back to the Beginning,” is being billed as the band's definitive farewell performance in their hometown of Birmingham, England. Osbourne, who has been struggling with Parkinson's disease, revealed on his SiriusXM channel, Ozzy's Boneyard, that he will only perform “little bits and pieces,” rather than a complete set, with Black Sabbath during the show. He emphasized that he would perform only where he feels comfortable, given his current health limitations.

Osbourne's last full performance with the band was at Ozzfest in 2018. Since then, he has faced numerous health challenges, including his diagnosis with Parkinson's in early 2019, which has significantly affected his mobility. Despite these issues, Osbourne is determined to participate in the historic event. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, expressed that the concert is an important opportunity for Osbourne to say a proper goodbye to his fans, as previous tours were impacted by health-related cancellations. Although unable to walk, Sharon assures that his voice remains as powerful as ever, preparing fans for a memorable if abbreviated, performance.

The announcement of the reunion has sent waves of excitement throughout the heavy metal community, as it marks a significant moment in music history. Alongside the main attraction of Black Sabbath, the concert will include performances by a number of well-known bands such as Pantera, Gojira, and Lamb of God. Additionally, a super-group featuring members like Guns N’ Roses' Slash, Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, and other famous musicians will also take the stage.

Tickets for the event sold out almost immediately, reflecting the high anticipation surrounding this final farewell. Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath's guitarist, shared his belief that the upcoming concert would serve as a positive and beneficial experience for Osbourne's health, providing him with the motivation to perform despite his challenges.

Proceeds from the reunion concert will support several charitable causes, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, ensuring the event also contributes positively to the community. Given the lineup and charitable mission of the concert, it promises to be a landmark event in the world of rock music.

This moment not only signifies the end of an era for Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne but also offers a nostalgic homage to their roots in Birmingham, the birthplace of heavy metal. Fans around the globe eagerly await the concert, which promises to deliver not only memorable performances but also a fitting tribute to one of the most influential bands in music history. As the date approaches, excitement continues to build, with fans and fellow musicians alike paying homage to a legendary career that has spanned decades and shaped the landscape of rock music.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

The Prince of Darkness Goes Pixelated: Osbourne Family Unveils AI Ozzy

Less than a year after John Michael Osbourne took his last bow, the Prince of Darkness is being booted back…

Bruce Springsteen Brings ‘Streets of Minneapolis’ to Colbert’s Penultimate Late Show

Bruce Springsteen performed ‘Streets of Minneapolis’ on The Late Show’s penultimate episode, calling out CBS parent Paramount and defending Colbert’s legacy.

Paul McCartney Says He Can’t Recognize Bob Dylan’s Songs at Live Shows

Paul McCartney says he couldn’t identify songs at recent Bob Dylan concerts, sparking debate about the artist-audience contract in classic rock’s twilight era.

Pearl Jam Has Found a New Drummer to Replace Matt Cameron

Ex-Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen confirmed on Instagram that the band has already found a new drummer to replace Matt Cameron, who departed after 27 years.

Michael Anthony Still Wants In on an Eddie Van Halen Tribute Concert

Michael Anthony says he’d love to be part of an Eddie Van Halen tribute concert, but acknowledges time is getting thin for original members to participate.

Chris Robinson Admits He Engineered The Black Crowes’ 2015 Breakup Out of Anger

Chris Robinson says he deliberately triggered The Black Crowes’ 2015 split out of anger and heartbreak, revealing the full story on the Mohr Stories podcast.

Primary Wave Acquires Hipgnosis Design Catalog, Plans Global Exhibitions

Primary Wave has acquired Aubrey Powell’s interest in the Hipgnosis design catalog, covering iconic album art for AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Genesis, and more, with

Gary Rossington on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Origins, Ronnie Van Zant, and 50 Years of Survival

In a 2012 Classic Rock interview, Gary Rossington recalled how Lynyrd Skynyrd began, what made Ronnie Van Zant an unquestioned leader, and the blues roots that

Gregg Allman Documentary ‘The Music of My Soul’ Sets Premiere Events and Wide Release

Gregg Allman: The Music of My Soul opens June 17 at 200+ screens. Premiere events at NYC’s Gramercy Theater and Macon’s Grand Opera House are already sold out.