Black Sabbath fans were thrilled when news broke of an upcoming reunion featuring Ozzy Osbourne and the original lineup. With Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward set to join him for a special fundraising concert, it seemed like a dream come true for heavy metal enthusiasts. The event, scheduled for July 5 in Birmingham, England, promised to bring the legendary band back together after two decades apart.
However, those hoping for a full-scale performance from Ozzy might be disappointed. Despite his involvement in the show, he recently confirmed that he won’t be performing a complete set with his former bandmates. This revelation has left fans wondering just how much they’ll actually get to see of the Prince of Darkness on stage.
With Osbourne’s recent health struggles and ongoing challenges, it’s understandable that he may need to limit his time in the spotlight. While the concert is still expected to be a monumental moment for Black Sabbath fans, it won’t be quite the full-fledged reunion many had envisioned.
Ozzy’s Role in Black Sabbath’s Reunion Will Be Limited
In July, Ozzy Osbourne will take the stage at Villa Park for a special one-day festival alongside Black Sabbath. The event will also feature bands heavily influenced by them, including Metallica, Slayer, and Pantera. Fans were eager to see a full-scale Black Sabbath reunion, but that may not be the case.
Despite the festival being promoted as a Black Sabbath reunion, Ozzy recently clarified that his involvement will be minimal. “I’m not planning on doing a set with Black Sabbath, but I am doing little bits and pieces with them,” he revealed on his SiriusXM show, Ozzy Speaks. He emphasized that he will only perform where he feels comfortable.
The rocker also spoke about his ongoing health challenges. He admitted he’s still working to regain his strength, saying, “I have to balance myself, but I’m not dead. I’m still actively doing things.” While his participation will be limited, Ozzy remains determined to give fans what he can.
Ozzy’s Health Struggles Affecting His Involvement
Fans last witnessed a full concert from Ozzy in 2018. However, two years later, the legendary rocker revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a condition that impacts movement. At 76, this diagnosis has had a significant impact on Ozzy’s ability to perform as he once did.
Parkinson’s disease, as described by the Cleveland Clinic, is an age-related brain condition that leads to the deterioration of brain cells. The symptoms of this disease include slowed movements, tremors, and difficulty with balance, all of which have affected Ozzy’s health and daily life.
The news of a Black Sabbath reunion, however, comes just weeks after Ozzy revealed that his illness has progressed to the point where he is no longer able to walk. His ongoing health challenges undoubtedly influence the extent of his participation in future performances.
Ozzy Reflects on His Health and His Return
Despite his struggles with health, Ozzy remains positive. “For all of my complaining, I’m still alive,” he told Billy Morrison, his co-host on Ozzy Speaks, reflecting on his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease. His resilience through tough times shows his determination to keep moving forward.
Sharon Osbourne also weighed in on Ozzy’s progress, stating in a Feb. 5 interview that his vocal ability is “as good as it’s ever been.” While he’s facing physical challenges, his voice remains strong, allowing him to still connect with fans in a significant way.
Sharon added that Ozzy is feeling “very happy” about his involvement in the Black Sabbath reunion, and is even “very emotional” about it. Despite the health challenges, the opportunity to return to the stage with his bandmates clearly means a great deal to him.