Having spent more than 50 years on the road, Ozzy Osbourne says he’s ready to stop. The former Black Sabbath frontman has announced that he’ll be stepping away from live shows after one final concert in his hometown, Birmingham. It’s a big decision, but “It is time,” says Ozzy.
At 76 and a long stretch of health issues, Ozzy says he wants to be home more. “I’d love to say ‘never say never,’” he told The Guardian, “But after the last six years or so… it is time.” He has done the work, lived the dream, and now, he’s choosing to spend the rest of his life with his family.
From late-night chaos to more family time
Ozzy is not the same man he was decades ago. The days of drinking, smoking, and late-night chaos are behind him. “I don’t do any of that anymore,” he said. “I never go out. I don’t drink. I’m kind of like a homebody.” These days, he is interested in spending more time with his grandkids.
His wife, Sharon Osbourne, who is also his manager, understands and supports his decision completely. “It’s time to say enough,’” she said. “When you’ve given it your all, you can sit back and say, ‘I did it.” And yes, this is what Ozzy has chosen to do.
“I may be sitting down, but I’ll be there.”
Before he officially steps back, Ozzy will reunite with Black Sabbath one last time for a show called Back to the Beginning. It’ll be the first time in 20 years the original band performs together, and other artists’ll join them they inspired and influenced, like Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, and others. The show will also raise money for charities, including Cure Parkinson’s and a children’s hospice in Birmingham.
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Ozzy, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last October, has been dealing with Parkinson’s disease, blood clots, and a spinal injury. He is still training to make this final appearance meaningful. “I’ve got a vocal coach, I do weights, and I ride a bike,” he said. “It’s tough, but I’m doing my best.” He knows he might not move around like before, but what matters to him now is just his presence there.