Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne can no longer walk due to Parkinson’s disease, yet surprisingly plans a final Black Sabbath performance this July.
At a Glance
- Ozzy Osbourne, 76, can no longer walk due to Parkinson’s disease progression
- Despite his physical limitations, Osbourne plans to perform “a couple of songs” at a final Black Sabbath concert in Birmingham this July
- The rock legend was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003 but only revealed it publicly in 2020
- He has undergone multiple spinal surgeries following a serious fall in 2019
- Osbourne works with a physiotherapist daily to maintain muscle movement
The Prince of Darkness Faces His Toughest Battle
Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne is confronting perhaps his most challenging opponent yet – his own body. The 76-year-old “Prince of Darkness” recently revealed the devastating toll Parkinson’s disease has taken on his mobility, stating bluntly that he “can’t walk” anymore. This admission comes as the latest development in a health journey marked by multiple spinal surgeries, stemming from a serious fall in 2019 that damaged rods previously inserted in his back during an earlier surgery. Despite these setbacks, Osbourne maintains his characteristic defiance against both his condition and critics.
Osbourne’s battle with Parkinson’s disease began long before the public knew about it. While he only revealed his diagnosis in 2020, he was actually diagnosed in 2003. The progressive neurological disorder causes tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. For someone whose identity has been so intrinsically tied to dynamic stage performances, the disease presents not just physical challenges but profound psychological ones as well. His wife Sharon has confirmed he works with a physiotherapist daily to maintain what muscle function remains.
One Last Stand With Black Sabbath
In what can only be described as an act of sheer willpower, Osbourne is preparing for one final performance with his original band Black Sabbath. The concert, scheduled for July 5 in their hometown of Birmingham, England, represents both a homecoming and a farewell. Sharon Osbourne, his wife and longtime manager, organized this special event as motivation for the rock legend. Despite his limitations, Ozzy has begun physical training in preparation, though he’s made it clear he’ll only perform “a couple of songs” rather than a full set.
“It’s tough – I’ve been laid up for such a long time. I’ve been lying on my back doing nothing and the first thing to go is your strength. It’s like starting all over again.” – Ozzy Osbourne
According to Sharon, while Ozzy’s mobility has been severely compromised, his voice remains strong – the one part of his performing ability that has withstood the ravages of the disease. The upcoming performance has reportedly become an emotional focal point for the musician, giving him something concrete to work toward despite his physical challenges. The concert represents not just a musical reunion but a testament to Osbourne’s refusal to let his condition define the end of his storied career.
The Psychological Battle Behind Parkinson’s
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of Osbourne’s recent disclosures has been his willingness to discuss the mental toll of living with a progressive, incurable condition. The daily struggle goes far beyond the visible physical symptoms, creating a psychological battleground where optimism constantly fights against harsh reality. Osbourne has described the mental exhaustion of waking up each day to discover new limitations, a cycle that can feel like a punishment without end.
“You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong… You begin to think this is never going to end.” – Ozzy Osbourne
Despite these challenges, Osbourne maintains moments of perspective and even gratitude. In a February 2025 episode of his SiriusXM radio show “Ozzy Speaks,” he reflected, “For all my complaining, I’m still alive. I may be moaning that I can’t walk as well… but as I look down the road, there’s people that didn’t do half as much as me and they didn’t make it.” This balance between acknowledging his limitations while refusing to be defined by them characterizes Osbourne’s approach to his condition. Though he stated in November 2023 that he believes he has “at best 10 years left,” he continues to fight for quality of life.
