The Prince Of Darkness’s Final Bow: 7 Must-Know Facts About Ozzy Osbourne’s Farewell Concert In 2025
The question of whether the "Prince of Darkness" would ever take the stage again has finally been answered. As of December 19, 2025, the highly anticipated "farewell concert" is no longer a rumor or a wish, but a confirmed, poignant, and historic event. It’s not a full tour, but a singular, emotional final bow that brings his career full circle, a moment fans have been waiting for since his official retirement from touring was announced.
This legendary rock icon, whose career spans over five decades, has faced significant health battles, including a Parkinson's diagnosis and multiple spinal surgeries. The true nature of his final performance has been clarified, moving beyond the canceled 'No More Tours 2' to a unique, one-off event. Here are the seven essential, up-to-date facts you need to know about Ozzy Osbourne’s last hurrah.
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne: A Brief Biography
John Michael Osbourne, universally known as Ozzy Osbourne, is one of the most recognizable and influential figures in heavy metal and rock music history. His career is marked by two distinct, highly successful phases: his tenure as the frontman of Black Sabbath and his prolific, multi-platinum solo career.
- Real Name: John Michael Osbourne
- Nickname: The Prince of Darkness
- Born: December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, England
- Spouse: Sharon Osbourne (m. 1982)
- Children: Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Jessica, Louis, and Elliot
- Notable Bands: Black Sabbath (1968–1979, 1997–2006, 2011–2017)
- Solo Career Debut: Blizzard of Ozz (1980)
- Health Battles: Parkinson’s disease (diagnosed 2003, publicly revealed 2020), various injuries from a 2019 fall, and multiple spinal surgeries.
7 Crucial Updates on Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Live Performance
1. The Farewell is a Single, Historic Event, Not a Tour
The biggest update for fans is the clarification that the "farewell concert" is not a rescheduled leg of the canceled 'No More Tours 2'. Instead, it is a single, momentous show. This final performance is billed as "Back To The Beginning," a historic Black Sabbath reunion concert.
This decision allows Ozzy to manage his health while still delivering the final performance he has repeatedly expressed a deep desire to give his devoted fans. The event is a symbolic closing of the circle, returning to the band that launched his legendary career.
2. The Final Date and Venue are Confirmed: Villa Park, Birmingham
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025. The venue holds significant emotional weight: Villa Park in Birmingham, UK. Birmingham is Ozzy’s hometown and the birthplace of Black Sabbath, making the location the perfect, most poignant setting for his final bow.
This homecoming concert ensures that the Prince of Darkness receives his final send-off in the city where the entire heavy metal genre was forged. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, drawing fans from all corners of the globe.
3. Ozzy Will Not Perform a Full Setlist
Due to his ongoing health issues, including the effects of Parkinson’s disease and recovery from extensive spinal surgery, Ozzy Osbourne will not be performing a full concert set. It has been confirmed that he is set to sing a limited number of songs—specifically, four tracks—with Black Sabbath.
While the limited performance may disappoint some, it is a realistic and courageous commitment given his physical condition. It ensures he can participate in the emotional climax of the evening without the physical strain of a two-hour headlining show. This short, powerful appearance will undoubtedly be the highlight of the entire festival.
4. The Black Sabbath Lineup Includes Tony Iommi
The "Back To The Beginning" event is a Black Sabbath reunion, featuring the legendary guitarist Tony Iommi. This ensures that Ozzy’s final live moments are shared with his lifelong bandmate and co-founder of the band. The original members' presence adds immense historical significance to the performance.
Other entities closely associated with Ozzy's career, such as long-time solo guitarist Zakk Wylde, have expressed hope that this isn't truly his last show, reflecting the rock community's collective desire for the legend to continue.
5. The 'No More Tours 2' Cancellation Explained
The initial "No More Tours 2" European and UK dates were repeatedly postponed and ultimately canceled in early 2023. The official reason was Ozzy’s physical health. He suffered a serious fall in 2019, which aggravated injuries from a 2003 quad bike accident, necessitating a series of spinal surgeries.
The extensive nerve damage and the physical inability to travel and perform night after night led to the difficult decision to retire from traditional touring. This cancellation was a major blow to fans, but it ultimately paved the way for the more manageable, single-show farewell event.
6. The Final Show is a Charity Event for Parkinson’s Research
Adding a layer of profound meaning to his final performance, the "Back To The Beginning" event served as a major charity fundraiser. Proceeds from the July 5th show benefited Cure Parkinson's, the organization dedicated to finding a cure for the disease Ozzy has been living with since 2003.
This dedication transforms his final curtain call from a mere concert into a powerful philanthropic statement, using his status to raise awareness and funds for a cause that impacts his daily life. It is a testament to his enduring spirit and desire to help others facing similar battles.
7. Ozzy Still Hopes for More One-Off Shows
While the 2025 show is being billed as his final live performance, Ozzy Osbourne himself has remained open-ended about his future. In recent interviews, he expressed frustration over his medical condition preventing him from touring but maintained a hope to play more one-off shows if his health allows.
He has clarified that his retirement is from *touring*, not from performing entirely. This leaves the door slightly ajar for potential future appearances, perhaps a residency or special guest spots, though the Black Sabbath reunion stands as his official, confirmed farewell. For now, fans should treat the July 5, 2025, show as the last guaranteed chance to see the legendary rocker live.
The Legacy of the Prince of Darkness
Ozzy Osbourne's impact on music transcends album sales and concert attendance. He is an enduring cultural entity, a pioneer of heavy metal with Black Sabbath, and a highly successful solo artist who defined the sound of the 80s and 90s. His reality TV show, *The Osbournes*, also cemented his status as a mainstream media personality.
The final concert is more than just a show; it's a celebration of a life lived on the edge, a career that inspired millions, and a testament to the resilience of a man who faced down addiction, controversy, and severe health challenges. As the curtain falls on his live career, his musical legacy—the iconic riffs, the powerful vocals, and the unforgettable stage presence—will continue to influence generations of musicians. The "Back To The Beginning" concert is not an ending, but the final, glorious chapter of a rock and roll epic.
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