Concerns have been swirling about Ozzy Osbourne’s ability to perform live again—but the Prince of Darkness has made it clear: he’s showing up for Black Sabbath’s final show.
Last month, fellow performers Maynard James Keenan and Lzzy Hale raised doubts in interviews, questioning whether Ozzy would be physically able to take the stage due to his ongoing health issues. Keenan even said it could take “modern miracles” to “get him on stage to do the songs.”
But in a recent interview with The Guardian, Osbourne—who has been publicly battling Parkinson’s disease—reassured fans.
“I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.”
The rock legend admitted he won’t be bringing his usual energy to the stage.
“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.”
He also clarified the concert’s format to manage fan expectations:
“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 … what’s the word? … a sample, you’re going to get a few songs each by Ozzy and Sabbath.”
Ozzy is undergoing rigorous preparation ahead of the event.
“I do weights, bike riding, I’ve got a guy living at my house who’s working with me. It’s tough — I’ve been laid up for such a long time. 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.”
“I’ve got a vocal coach coming round four days a week to keep my voice going. I have problems walking. I also get blood pressure issues, from blood clots on my legs.”
When asked about his overall health, Osbourne didn’t sugarcoat it:
“You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong. You begin to think this is never going to end.”
He also revealed that the idea for the reunion concert came from none other than Sharon Osbourne.
The performance was “something to give me a reason to get up in the morning,” he said.
