A final farewell: This rock legend will play his last concert this summer - here’s how he’s getting ready

Heavy-metal legend Ozzy Osbourne says he’s giving “120 percent” to be fit enough for his scheduled farewell show next month.

Osbourne set for Black Sabbath reunion

Osbourne, who rose to fame as the lead singer of Black Sabbath in the 1970s, is due to reunite with the band for a final concert in the U.K. on July 5.

Held in Osbourne’s hometown, Birmingham, the fundraising event will see Black Sabbath’s original line-up - Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward - play together for the first time in two decades.

“I’m gonna make it there”

Osbourne has battled a number of health issues in recent years, including a 2019 diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

He told a February appearance on the SiriusXM show “Ozzy Speaks” that he struggles to walk, but added: “For all of my complaining, I’m still alive.”

And he declared this week that he intends to perform in the Birmingham concert “by hook or by crook”.

“I haven’t done any physical work in the last six-and-a-half, seven years,” Osbourne said on “Ozzy Speaks” on Wednesday. “By hook or by crook, I’m gonna make it there. I’ve got this trainer guy who helps people get back to normal.

“It’s hard going, but he’s convinced that he can pull it off for me. I’m giving it everything I’ve got.”

The 76-year-old concluded: “All I can say is I’m giving it 120 percent. If my god wants me to do this show, I’ll do it.

“Back to the Beginning”

Billed as “Back to the Beginning”, next month’s show is also due to feature a short solo set by Osbourne, according to organizers.

Held at the soccer stadium Villa Park, the event will witness performances by a host of other bands, including the American heavy-metal group Metallica.

The profits from “Back to the Beginning” are to be donated to three charities: Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice. Tickets are no longer available for the show.

Villa Park show is Osbourne’s “full stop”

Speaking to the BBC in February, Osbourne’s wife, Sharon, confirmed that the Villa Park concert is expected to be the last show of her husband’s career.

“He’s so excited about this, about being with the guys again and all his friends. It’s exciting for everyone,” she said.

“Ozzy didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to his friends, to his fans, and he feels there’s been no full stop. This is his full stop.”

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