Ozzy Osbourne Teases a Throne Performance at Black Sabbath’s Final Show
via Ozzy Osbourne / YouTube
Ozzy Osbourne has confirmed that he will perform while seated on a throne—possibly a flying one—at what is being called Black Sabbath’s final-ever show. The event, titled Back to the Beginning, will take place on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. It will bring together the legendary band for one last performance, though Ozzy’s role will be different this time.
Ozzy’s Triumphant Return: Defying Health Challenges
At 76, Ozzy has faced serious health challenges, including spinal and neck injuries, along with Parkinson’s disease. He has occasionally needed a wheelchair but remains determined to take part in this milestone event. Longtime collaborator and guitarist Zakk Wylde hinted that the performance may feature a dramatic entrance, possibly with Ozzy in flight.
“With Oz and his throne that just flies over the stadium or whatever, [where he] shoots out buckets of water and does everything like that,” Wylde said in a new interview with Riff X’s Metal XS. “So if Oz has a great time and it’s just, like, ‘I wanna go out on the road again,’ it’s just, like, ‘Good. Let’s do it again.’”
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A Promising Performance: Ozzy’s Voice Remains Unbroken
Wylde also shared that despite Ozzy’s physical struggles, his voice remains strong. “Ozzy was just sitting at the chair and he was singing ‘Mama, I’m Coming Home,’ and it sounded great. So hopefully we’ll just do this, and then Oz will go, ‘Let’s just fire up the machine again and we’ll do another tour.’”
The event is shaping up to be a major night for heavy metal fans. In addition to Ozzy and Black Sabbath, the lineup will include Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. Other bands such as Pantera, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, and Grammy-winning Gojira will also take the stage.
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A Bittersweet Performance: Ozzy’s Limited but Emotional Return
Although Black Sabbath will be performing, Ozzy clarified that he will not be playing a full set with them. “I’m not planning on doing a set with Black Sabbath but I am doing little bits and pieces with them,” he said on his SiriusXM show Ozzy Speaks.
“I am doing what I can, where I feel comfortable. I am trying to get back on my feet… When you get up in the morning, you just jump out of bed. I have to balance myself, but I’m not dead. I’m still actively doing things.”
For many fans, this concert will be an emotional moment, marking the final chapter of Black Sabbath’s legacy while giving Ozzy the opportunity to take the stage once again, even if he has to remain seated.
