Sharon Osbourne has revealed that Ozzy Osbourne is planning two special farewell shows in his hometown of Birmingham to properly say goodbye to his fans. Speaking during her “Cut The Crap” tour, which stops in Birmingham and London this week, Sharon shared details about Ozzy’s plans to return to the stage one last time.
“He won’t tour again, but we are planning two more shows so he can say goodbye properly. He’s never had the chance to do that,” Sharon explained. Hinting at the venue, she suggested the shows might take place at Aston Villa’s stadium, Villa Park. “We will do it in Aston Villa where Ozzy is from. His voice is still absolutely perfect, and he’s been keeping it that way with regular singing lessons.”
Health Challenges and Determination
Ozzy’s farewell plans come after years of health struggles. In 2019, he disclosed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, a neurodegenerative disorder with no cure. Additionally, a severe fall in 2003, which dislodged metal rods in his spine, and other health complications have kept him from touring extensively.
Reflecting on his health and the possibility of returning to the stage, Ozzy told Rolling Stone UK last November: “I’m taking it one day at a time. If I can perform again, I will. But I’m not going to do a half-hearted Ozzy looking for sympathy. What’s the point in that? If I’m going to perform, I want to give it my all.”
Ozzy has remained steadfast in his gratitude to his fans, who have supported his career spanning over five decades. “I never got the chance to say goodbye or thank you. My fans are what it’s all about. If I can just do a few gigs to say ‘thank you,’ I’ll die a happy man,” he said.
Family and Support
Sharon and Ozzy’s son Jack Osbourne recently echoed his father’s sentiments, acknowledging that while Ozzy’s touring days are behind him, he remains eager to perform one-off shows. “He’s not done yet,” Jack said, affirming Ozzy’s determination to give fans a proper farewell.
Future Plans
Despite his health challenges, Ozzy remains active creatively. He has released two albums in recent years, Ordinary Man (2020) and Patient Number 9 (2022), and expressed his desire to record one more album. “I’ve had all the surgery now, thank God,” Ozzy said. “I’m feeling okay, and the surgery on my spine went great. I’m getting myself fit and aiming for one more album and some special shows.”
A Legacy of Resilience
Ozzy’s resilience has been evident in recent years, with performances at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 and the NFL halftime show at the season opener between the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills. While his previously announced European tour with Judas Priest was officially canceled in early 2023, Ozzy’s spirit remains undiminished.
As the Prince of Darkness prepares for his final bow, fans can look forward to an emotional farewell from one of heavy metal’s most iconic figures.
