THE BEAST

The Prince of Darkness is preparing for one final bow.

In a heartfelt and revealing episode of Ozzy Speaks on SiriusXM, legendary heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne gave fans a long-awaited update on his health — and more importantly, his readiness for his final concert performance. The event, aptly titled "Back To The Beginning", is set to take place on July 5 in Birmingham, UK — Ozzy’s hometown and the birthplace of Black Sabbath.

"This will be seven years since I played a full concert," Ozzy told co-host Billy Morrison. "And I’ve been through all this surgery. It really is like starting from scratch."

At 76, with a long history of medical challenges including a rare genetic form of Parkinson’s disease (Parkin 2), spinal surgeries, and even a bout with COVID-19, Ozzy's resilience continues to inspire. "I’m in heavy training," he shared. "It’s endurance training. I’m doing two sets of three-minute walks a day and weight training. I’ve gotta get going, you know."

Though he joked that three minutes might sound like nothing, Ozzy added, “I’m waking up in my body. I’ve been laying on my back recovering from umpteen surgeries.”

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Announced earlier this year, "Back To The Beginning" will feature an emotional reunion of Black Sabbath’s original lineup — Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — performing together for the first time in 20 years. Ozzy clarified that while he won’t be doing a full Sabbath set, he will be participating in “little bits and pieces.”

"This is his full stop," said Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager. “Ozzy didn't have a chance to say goodbye to his fans, and he feels there’s never been a full stop.”

Adding to the monumental night will be an ensemble of metal royalty: Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb of God, Mastodon, and Anthrax will all perform. A supergroup of icons — including Slash, Duff McKagan, Billy Corgan, Fred Durst, Tom Morello, Jake E. Lee, Wolfgang Van Halen, and K.K. Downing — will also deliver renditions of classic Sabbath and Ozzy tracks in an unforgettable tribute.

Still Standing, Still Singing

Despite mobility struggles, Ozzy's spirit and voice remain strong. "I may be moaning that I can't walk, but I look down the road and there’s people that didn’t do half as much as me and didn’t make it," Ozzy reflected.

Sharon reaffirmed that although Parkinson’s has affected his legs, "his voice is as good as it's ever been."

The concert’s proceeds will benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, tying Ozzy’s legacy not just to music, but to meaningful causes close to his heart.

A Legacy Sealed with Thunder

While Ozzy has popped up for surprise performances in recent years — notably at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and NFL's 2022 season opener — Back To The Beginning will be his final scheduled performance.

"For Ozzy right now, it’s definitely: 'I love you and good night,'" Sharon told Reuters.

With his unmatched stage presence, boundless charisma, and a voice that still echoes through the annals of heavy metal, Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell isn’t just the end of an era — it’s a celebration of survival, legacy, and undying love for music and fans.

As Ozzy puts it best: "I’m not dead. I’m still actively doing things."

And on July 5, Villa Park will thunder with the sound of goodbye — not with silence, but with riffs, roars, and roaring applause.