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Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Live Performance Amid Health Challenges

Ozzy Osbourne has revealed that his battle with Parkinson’s disease has reached a stage where he can no longer walk. In a recent episode of his SiriusXM show, Ozzy’s Boneyard, he opened up about the significance of his upcoming final live performance, where he is set to reunite with Black Sabbath.

Reflecting on his journey, Osbourne stated, “I have made it to 2025. I can’t walk, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all my complaining, I’m still alive. I may be moaning that I can’t walk, but I look down the road, and there are people that didn’t do half as much as me and didn’t make it.” His perspective showcases a mix of resilience and gratitude amid adversity.

The iconic heavy metal band will perform live together for the first time since 2005 during an event titled Back to the Beginning, set to take place in Birmingham, England, on July 5. This charity concert will feature an impressive lineup, including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, among others, with Tom Morello taking on the role of musical director.

Sharon Osbourne, his wife, confirmed the severity of his condition during an interview with the Sun. “He’s very happy to be coming back and very emotional about this,” she expressed. She further explained that Parkinson’s disease is progressive and has impacted his mobility, though his vocal abilities remain strong as ever.

In a conversation with the BBC, Sharon reiterated that this concert marks Osbourne’s swan song. “He’s so excited about this, being with the guys again and all his friends,” she said. “It’s exciting for everyone. Ozzy didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to his friends, to his fans, and he feels there’s no been no full stop. This is his full stop.”

Despite the challenges posed by Parkinson’s and multiple spinal surgeries in recent years, Osbourne has remained hopeful about connecting with fans through one last performance. Previously scheduled to appear at the 2023 Power Trip festival, he had to cancel due to health complications.

“I’m taking it one day at a time, and if I can perform again, I will,” Osbourne shared with Rolling Stone UK in November 2023. “But it’s been like saying farewell to the best relationship of my life. At the start of my illness, when I stopped touring, I was really pissed off with myself, the doctors, and the world. But as time has gone on, I’ve just gone, ‘Well, maybe I’ve just got to accept that fact.’”

All proceeds from the Back to the Beginning concert will go to support Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice, an organization based in Birmingham. The concert is set to occur at Villa Park, the home stadium of Aston Villa, Osbourne’s cherished soccer team.

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www.rollingstone.com