Ozzy Osbourne, known globally as the Prince of Darkness, has officially decided to move on from the stage and into a quieter chapter of his life. The legendary leader of Black Sabbath is making it obvious that the rock star lifestyle is behind him, ahead of what is anticipated to be the band's final live concert this summer.
During a recent interview with "The Guardian," Osbourne confirmed that the upcoming show at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5 will mark his last time performing live. This announcement, while significant, didn’t come as a complete surprise. After years of dealing with multiple surgeries and ongoing health issues, Osbourne is choosing to prioritize family and health over one final tour.
Slowing Down After Decades on the Road
For over 50 years, Ozzy Osbourne lived on tour buses and hotel room beds. Now, he’s ready for something far simpler. “I’d love to say ‘never say never,’ but after the last six years or so... it is time,” Osbourne shared.
While Sharon Osbourne, his wife and longtime manager, supported his decision, she added her own perspective. “When you’ve given it your all, you can sit back and say: I did it,” she noted during the interview. She also revealed that the couple plans to retire to their countryside home in Buckinghamshire.

Instagram | @sharonosbourne | Ozzy and Sharon choose calm countryside life.
Their vision for the future? A peaceful property filled with animals, including ponies, dogs, and chickens. Sharon even plans to start dog and horse rescue centers. “Scream at the neighbors a couple of times,” she joked, outlining a life far removed from stadium shows and music awards.
A Life Once Lived Loud
Osbourne’s departure from the spotlight follows a long and wild history of excess. Over the years, he became infamous for his over-the-top behavior both on and off stage. From biting the head off a bat to snorting ants, the stories that followed him were as intense as his music.
Reflecting on that time, he admitted to NME in 2020, “I was out of my mind... but what people didn’t see was the next morning when I’d wake up and go: ‘Oh my God.’” Even though those stories seem legendary now, the toll they took on his body has become impossible to ignore.
Health Struggles Influence His Shift
Ozzy Osbourne’s decision to stop performing didn't happen overnight. His health has become a growing concern in recent years. Parkinson’s disease, among other conditions, has limited his mobility and physical endurance.
In a recent update, Osbourne shared, “I can’t walk,” pointing to Parkinson’s as the main reason behind his retirement. Still, he remains optimistic about his voice, with Sharon explaining that the illness “doesn’t affect his voice.” In fact, Ozzy is currently in “heavy training” to prepare for his final show. He’s back in the gym, focusing on what he can do rather than what he can’t.
Even so, fans should expect a scaled-down performance. Ozzy may sing while seated and clarified that the farewell show will be more of a tribute than a full concert. “We’re only playing a couple of songs each. It’s a sample. You’re going to get a few songs by Ozzy and Sabbath,” he said.
Letting Go of the Rock Star Image
Although he's no longer interested in nightlife or bar culture, Osbourne remains sharp and candid. “I never hang out in bars – I don’t drink. So what the fuck is out there for me?” he said. His statements show a real change, even though his tone is still direct. "I want to be with my family for the rest of my life. I don't want to die in a hotel room.
This shift began years ago. Osbourne confirmed quitting drugs and alcohol in 2018. He reflected on that period, saying, “I now think, ‘How did I think going into a bar and getting smashed and doing all that cocaine was fun?’” His clarity about that phase of life highlights a stark contrast from the unpredictable energy he once thrived on.
Facing Retirement with Humor and Honesty

Instagram | @ozzyosbourne | Ozzy Osbourne honestly admits he's "not completely sober" and uses marijuana for pain.
Although he has made significant progress in living a healthier lifestyle, Ozzy Osbourne remains honest about the challenges. Last fall, he admitted he’s “not completely sober,” occasionally using marijuana to manage his pain.
Even so, he stays far removed from the chaos that once surrounded him. The man who once drank “28 gallons of booze” to get through Christmas now spends his time at home. Instead of chasing tours, he’s focused on being present with his grandchildren and loved ones.
A Final Goodbye to Black Sabbath Fans
Even though the concert is being trimmed down, Ozzy Osbourne is committed to giving his fans one final, amazing experience. He doesn’t want his farewell to feel incomplete. “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can,” he promised. Whether sitting down or standing tall, he plans to close the chapter with strength and gratitude.
His wife echoed that sentiment, saying, “He wants to say thank you to everybody.” Sharon emphasized that Ozzy never got the chance to say goodbye due to his illness, but this show offers that opportunity.
Meanwhile, excitement around the concert continues to build. However, not everyone involved feels fully at ease. Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler recently admitted he’s been having “nightmares” and “palpitations” leading up to the final show. Even Maynard James Keenan of Tool, who’s also part of the Back to the Beginning concert lineup, noted that it might take “modern miracles” to bring Ozzy back on stage.
Still, fans remain hopeful. If anyone can pull it off, it’s the man who once turned chaos into a career—and lived to tell the tale.
A Legacy Rewritten in Real Time
Ozzy Osbourne's story has always been bigger than life. But in this chapter, it’s the simplicity that speaks loudest. He’s traded the backstage passes for family dinners and chaos for calm. That shift doesn't erase his wild past—it reframes it.
He gave the world decades of music, stories, and iconic moments. Now, he’s choosing to end on his own terms—with clarity, honesty, and peace. And fans around the world seem ready to stand with him as he takes one final bow.
Ozzy Osbourne no longer chases chaos. He’s trading the limelight for family time and a slower pace—showing that even legends can evolve with grace.