Black Sabbath has gone through many different editions over the decades and is counting down to its final official gig. On July 5 in (of course) Birmingham, England, the iconic band will put on its Back to the Beginning event, including many other iconic performers. If you don't already have a ticket, you might want to find a friend who does.
The concert would not be as perfect if Ozzy Osbourne could not perform, though. The 76-year-old has dealt with many health concerns over the last couple of decades. In 2023, he had spinal surgery after a fall. The latter one complicated his previous back surgery.
In other words, while Osbourne wants to perform at the Birmingham show, there have been lingering questions about his physical ability. He wants to ensure fans understand the expectations before heading to the gig. He might only be able to sing two songs.
Ozzy Osbourne gets real about performing with Black Sabbath again
Of course, because the band has gone through so many different lineups, each edition might only play a few songs, since coming close to the entire catalog of Black Sabbath would be too daunting. Still, any chance of Osbourne back with Tony Iommi and Sabbath is welcome, even for a song or two.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Osbourne confessed that because of all his physical issues over the years, he no longer lives anywhere close to a rock and roll lifestyle. He might be seen playing with his grandkids instead of having a drink. He doesn't drink at all anymore.
Osbourne said, "I lived on the road for 50-odd years, and I’ve kind of got used to not picking up my bags and getting on the bus again. I don’t smoke dope or do any of the rock star lifestyle anymore. I’m kind of like a homebody. I never go out. I never hang out in bars – I don’t drink... It’s time for me to spend some time with my grandkids. I don’t want to die in a hotel room somewhere. I want to spend the rest of my life with my family."
The part about not dying in a hotel room is jarring. Too many musicians have done so. Their life becomes about the lifestyle instead of the music. Ozzy waded through the temptations of a rock star and came out (literally) clean on the other side. He can still perform as well, though in a limited capacity.
As far as Back to the Beginning, Black Sabbath will be joined by Tool, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and Billy Corgan, among others. Tickets are sold out.