The legendary Ozzy Osbourne has officially announced that he will take the stage from a throne—potentially even a flying throne—during what is being heralded as Black Sabbath‘s ultimate performance. This highly anticipated event promises to be a memorable occasion for fans and marks a significant milestone in the history of rock music.
Scheduled for July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, the Back to the Beginning concert will see the Prince of Darkness reunite with his iconic bandmates for one final journey together, albeit in a somewhat more seated arrangement. This unique setup not only caters to Ozzy’s health needs but also adds an intriguing twist to the legendary band’s farewell.
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At 76 years old, the iconic singer has faced numerous challenges, including neck injuries, spinal injuries, and the effects of Parkinson’s disease. Now, he occasionally relies on a wheelchair for mobility, but he is resolute in making this performance a memorable experience for himself and his fans. His determination underscores the profound connection he shares with his audience and his love for music.
Zakk Wylde, Ozzy’s longtime collaborator and guitarist, hinted that the frontman might even take flight during the concert—quite literally. This exciting prospect adds an element of surprise and thrill to the event.
“In terms of Oz and his throne that could soar over the stadium while shooting out buckets of water and creating a spectacular experience,” Wylde shared in a recent interview with Riff X’s Metal XS. “If Ozzy enjoys this performance and feels inspired to tour again, that would be fantastic. We’re ready to hit the road again if he wants to!”
He added, “During rehearsals, Ozzy was seated and beautifully singing ‘Mama, I’m Coming Home.’ It sounded incredible, and I hope this performance leads to more opportunities for us to tour again.”
“Everyone will be playing classic Sabbath songs, and it’s going to be an unforgettable experience,” he emphasized, indicating the excitement surrounding the event.
While Ozzy may not perform a full set, the Back to the Beginning concert promises to be a dream come true for metal enthusiasts. The lineup features not only Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne but also an array of legendary acts including Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. Other high-profile artists such as Pantera, Lamb Of God, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, and the recent Grammy Award-winners Gojira will also take the stage.
“I don’t intend to perform a complete set with Black Sabbath, but I will be joining in for selected songs,” Osbourne clarified during a recent episode of his SiriusXM show Ozzy Speaks. This approach allows him to participate while managing his health and energy levels.
“I am doing my best to regain my strength and get back on my feet. Unlike those who spring out of bed, I have to take my time to find my balance, but I’m still here and actively engaged in my music career,” he stated, reflecting on his journey back to performing.
