And on Saturday, Ozzy Osbourne will reunite with his old band, Black Sabbath, for what some say might be their last-ever performance together. The legendary frontman finds himself back in the spotlight, along with legendary drummer Bill Ward. This performance will be a historic homecoming for the world’s most legendary heavy metal band. After suffering a major health crisis, Osbourne returns on tour, reclaiming his legacy and faith as an artist despite the odds.
The reunion concert will be held on July 5. Though the performance will be shorter than a full set, Osbourne is nonetheless thrilled at the opportunity. He described the upcoming gig as a brief showcase, stating, “We’re only playing a couple of songs each. I don’t want people thinking, ‘We’re getting ripped off.’ It’s just going to be … what’s the word? … a sample.”
Osbourne’s fierce will to tour, despite recent health set-backs has followed the Rock & Roll legend for years. He has been successfully battling a debilitating form of Parkinson’s disease. Back then they didn’t diagnose it right due to issues stemming from a drinking binge. In 2003, a quad bike accident left Libby with significant damage to his neck vertebrae. In the process, he went through five operations that resulted in his body being filled with bone fragments and lesions. Doctors threatened him that if he did not have more surgery, he would be paraplegic.
“I’ve got more fucking metal in me than a scrap merchants.” – Ozzy Osbourne
Yet the physical toll of these health challenges has been equally staggering. Osbourne described his surgery as “the worst fucking surgery you can imagine,” and he faced a deep depression afterwards. “You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong,” he recounted. “You begin to think this is never going to end.”
It was Osbourne’s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, who helped push him through these dark times. She was the driving force behind their reunion mega-gig, set for this summer with an incredible lineup of Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Slayer, among others. Perhaps because of this commitment and importance, the event has already created a buzz between fans and artists.
Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine expressed his enthusiasm for the event, calling it “the greatest day in the history of heavy metal.” He understood just what a big deal Black Sabbath’s reunion is. The emotional weight it carries for the group and for their fans cannot be overstated, he emphasized.
Since his initial retirement announcement, Osbourne has released two new albums, surviving major health troubles. He went on to release two critically-lauded albums. The first, “Ordinary Man,” released in 2020, then “Patient Number 9” in 2022, received acclaim from critics and fans. He was featured on one of 2019’s biggest hits, with a show-stopping guest verse alongside Travis Scott on Post Malone’s multi-platinum single “Take What You Want.”
Aside from his thriving career, Osbourne continues to be hands-on with his health. He has taken to a new, hard-nosed training regimen geared specifically to this challenge that incorporates weightlifting and biking. This plan allows him to build up his strength following significant stretches of immobility from health complications. A vocal coach comes to his house four times a week in order to boost and protect Broadway’s signature singing voice.
“I do weights, bike riding… 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.” – Ozzy Osbourne
Even while admitting those shortcomings, Osbourne said he was thankful for the opportunity to take the stage once more. You’ll find me sitting down, but the point is that I’ll be there, and even in that condition I can try to contribute in the best way I can. So the best I can do is show up.
Whatever may happen in the future, from this recent reunion performance comes a powerful reminder of Osbourne’s long lasting impact on the world of music. His impact is not just confined to Black Sabbath. He has gone on to influence hundreds of musicians from all genres and generations. With characteristic humility, he traces his own path in the formative moments from his career to his own life that continue to unfold.
“Like a marriage: you have a row with the wife, but then you make up again.” – Ozzy Osbourne
Osbourne’s respect for other music icons is still hugely apparent. He fondly reminisced about meeting Paul McCartney, stating, “When I met Paul McCartney it was like seeing God.” Unfolding this frank admiration lays bare just how deep his passion for music runs.
Osbourne expressed aspirations beyond performing. He dreams of starting a dog and horse rescue and living a more peaceful life closer to animals. “Yeah. Get some ponies and chickens, and a million dogs,” he said with humor.
Here’s hoping that as July 5 approaches, fans around the world will look forward to Osbourne’s triumphant return to the stage — and to the Sabbath. More than just a musical reunion, the concert symbolizes the community’s fighting spirit to overcome and rebuild amidst tragedy.