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Maynard James Keenan, the frontman of Tool, has voiced his concerns regarding Ozzy Osbourne’s upcoming final performance this July.
Keenan and his band will be among the many artists joining the Back to the Beginning concert, set to unfold in Birmingham, England on July 5. This highly anticipated event will also feature a noteworthy performance by Osbourne’s legendary band, Black Sabbath, marking their last show ever, alongside notable acts like Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Alice in Chains.
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, Osbourne has tempered expectations. He has not performed a full set since December 31, 2018—only two months before his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. He clarified that he doesn’t plan to deliver a complete set with Black Sabbath; instead, he’ll participate in “little bits and pieces” as he feels comfortable. “I am doing what I can, where I feel comfortable,” he stated.
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In recent statements to fans, Osbourne revealed he has been undergoing “endurance training” to “wake up” his body following years of recovery from multiple surgeries. “I haven’t done anything for seven years, and so I’ve been through all this surgery,” he explained. “It really is like starting from scratch.”
Osbourne’s recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in October 2024 marks another milestone in his illustrious career, having previously been inducted with Black Sabbath in 2006. Keenan was present during the ceremony, along with notable figures like Wolfgang Van Halen and Billy Idol, to commemorate Osbourne’s contributions to music.
In a recent interview on the Loudwire Nights podcast, Keenan expressed uncertainty about what to expect from Osbourne at the July concert. Reflecting on the Rock Hall ceremony, he remarked that even the preliminary discussions about performing felt uncertain, saying, “I don’t know that this [concert] is gonna happen.”
Keenan also conveyed a cautious optimism, stating, “I’m preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead, highlighting the unpredictability of Osbourne’s participation in the performance.
Prominent guitarist Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine has been appointed as the musical director for the concert, and this will be Osbourne’s first major appearance after a brief set in 2022 at the NFL Kickoff in Los Angeles. His last full performance was part of his No More Tours 2 tour in December 2018.
The concert will also showcase a diverse lineup of artists, including Halestorm, Gojira, Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins, Guns N’ Roses members Duff McKagan and Slash, Wolfgang Van Halen, Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit, Lzzy Hale, David Draiman of Disturbed, Korn’s Jonathan Davis, Sammy Hagar, and many others.
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