Ozzy Osbourne is returning to Birmingham as his Black Sabbath band play Villa Park for the last time ever.
Ozzy Osbourne has outlined fears ahead of his final gig(Image: Getty Images)
Ozzy Osbourne has outlined his biggest fear ahead of the massive final Black Sabbath gig- not being able to stand up.
Birmingham is eagerly awaiting the Aston rocker, and his Black Sabbath band, at Villa Park for the last time ever.
We reported yesterday how two international acts were being added to the lineup – but Ozzy has revealed concerns ahead of time.
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While he said the final comeback gig had given him “a reason to get up in the morning” – but, as the date draws nearer, health fears continue to plague him.
The 76 year old, who has Parkinson’s Disease and chronic pain in his spine, has now revealed he may be forced to remain seated for his entire set.
The former Black Sabbath frontman once sold millions of albums and toured prolifically, but to his dismay, his worsening health forced him to take a back seat, a decision which was supported by his wife and manager Sharon Osbourne. Now, ahead of his Back To The Beginning show, held on July 5 in his home city of Birmingham, he has opened up on how the gruelling surgeries he’s had have affected him.
Ozzy Osbourne appears determined to give his fans a “proper goodbye”(Image: Getty Images)
The frustrated No More Tears singer exclaimed: “I’ve got more f*****g metal in me than a scrap merchants.”
He continued to the Guardian that he “may be sitting down” for the show, explaining: “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can… all I can do is turn up.”
After a string of surgeries Sharon described as “horrendous”, she suggested the comeback concert “to give me a reason to get up in the morning.”
Now he’s expected to play a short solo set, followed by a longer performance with his ex-bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.
They’ll triumphantly play live together as a quartet for the first time in two decades – and now he just has to hope that his health will hold up.
Ozzy expressed a deep desire to give one last moving performance out of “gratitude” to his dedicated fans, stressing that the thought of not having the chance to bid them a final “goodbye” was something he couldn’t bear.
In preparation for his swansong, Ozzy has taken up gentle weight-lifting and cycling. In addition, he’s committed to vocal rehearsals with a professional coach four times a week – a routine that’s proving both physically challenging and energy-sapping.
Discussing his recovery process, Ozzy shared, “I’ve been lying on my back doing nothing and the first thing to go is your strength. It’s like starting all over again,”.
He’s currently battling “problems walking” following his Parkinson’s diagnosis and blood pressure complications caused by clots in his legs, plus enduring ongoing spine-related pain. Despite these health hurdles, the indomitable musician is steadfast in making his farewell appearance in Birmingham unforgettable.