Concerns Grow Over Metal Godfather Ozzy Osbourne’s Ability to Perform at Black Sabbath’s Final Show

The Godfather of Metal, Ozzy Osbourne, may not be able to fully perform during Black Sabbath’s much-anticipated final concert, raising concerns among fans and fellow musicians alike. Scheduled for July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, the Back to the Beginning show will feature a short set by Black Sabbath, a solo appearance by Osbourne, and special performances by Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Anthrax, Tool, Lamb of God, Halestorm, Mastodon, Korn, Alice In Chains, Gojira, Slash, Wolfgang Van Halen, Tom Morello, and others. Morello will also serve as the musical director for the event.

Osbourne, who has long battled health issues including Parkinson’s disease, recently admitted he “can’t walk” and would only be participating in “little bits and pieces” at the show.

Speaking to Loudwire Nights, Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan expressed uncertainty about Osbourne’s condition, recalling the metal icon’s frailty during his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame appearance last year. “Seeing Ozzy moving around at [the ceremony], the idea of him playing a show at all… I don’t know that this concert is gonna happen,” Keenan said. “Even now, I’m cautious about saying, ‘Yeah! All in, he’s gonna do it.’ This is going to be a challenge.”

Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale shared similar doubts in an interview with Audacy Music. Hale revealed she had been asked to perform Close My Eyes Forever alongside Osbourne but said the plan remains tentative. “We’re going to have to see pretty much on the day whether Ozzy’s going to be singing or how much he’ll be able to do,” she explained.

Despite the uncertainty, Halestorm will perform a full set, including a Black Sabbath cover, and Hale will participate in a special supergroup performance led by Morello.

The concert will mark a historic moment as Black Sabbath’s original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—reunites on stage for the first time in 20 years, in the city where it all began.