Metal legend Ozzy Osbourne will take the stage seated on a throne for Black Sabbath's final concert, set for July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. The 76-year-old vocalist, who has been dealing with Parkinson's disease and spinal injuries, plans to make this historic performance unforgettable.
According to longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde, the throne may even take flight during the show. "With Oz and his throne that just flies over the stadium, shoots out buckets of water and does everything like that," Wylde revealed in an interview with Riff X's Metal XS.
The "Back to the Beginning" concert will reunite the original Black Sabbath members - Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward - for their first performance together in 20 years. While Osbourne won't perform a full set with the band, he will join them for select songs.
"I'm doing what I can, where I feel comfortable," Osbourne explained on his SiriusXM show. "I am trying to get back on my feet... I'm not dead. I'm still actively doing things."
The farewell show boasts an impressive lineup featuring metal giants like Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Pantera, and other renowned acts. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Acorn Children's Hospice.
"It's my time to go back to the beginning... time for me to give back to the place where I was born," said Osbourne. "Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham forever."
Despite health challenges, recent rehearsals have shown promise. "Ozzy was sitting at the chair singing 'Mama, I'm Coming Home,' and it sounded great," Wylde noted, expressing hope that this performance might not be Osbourne's last.