Tony Iommi has spoken about Ozzy Osbourne’s health struggles when Black Sabbath reunited for their final show in comments shared via Guitar World. The Black Sabbath guitarist described how much Osbourne’s condition had worsened since they last saw each other.
Iommi had not seen Osbourne in person for nearly three years before the rehearsals began. During that time, Osbourne remained in the United States and was unable to travel due to his health.
“When we got into rehearsal, I hadn’t seen Ozzy since we’d done the Commonwealth Games in 2022,” Iommi said. “That was the last time I’d seen him, because he was in the States and he couldn’t get over because of his health situation; they wouldn’t let him fly.”
The guitarist expressed shock at what he witnessed when Osbourne arrived for the first rehearsal session.
“Eventually, when he came over, and we met for rehearsals, we were floored, because he was carried in, basically. I couldn’t believe how he’d deteriorated.”
The comments came as Iommi discussed the band’s final performances together before Osbourne’s death. The remarks offer insight into the challenges Osbourne faced in his final months as a musician.
Osbourne’s health problems had been mounting for years before the reunion. In 2019, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and his condition worsened over time. In November 2023, doctors found a vertebral tumor during surgery, adding to the physical challenges he faced. These health issues forced Osbourne to retire from touring in February 2023.
Between the Commonwealth Games performance in 2022 and the Back to the Beginning rehearsals, Osbourne faced increasing mobility challenges. He had remained largely in the United States, unable to travel internationally due to his deteriorating health. His last proper show before the 2022 Commonwealth Games appearance was in 2018.
The Back to the Beginning performance was a historic reunion that brought together all four original members for the first time since 2005. Osbourne performed a five-song solo set followed by a four-song Black Sabbath set, with the band playing War Pigs, NIB, Iron Man and Paranoid. During his performance, Osbourne was lifted to the stage while sitting on a black throne with skulls and a bat design, and he remained seated throughout his entire performance.
