Ozzy Osbourne returns to Japan in March 2019 to headline the first ever Download Festival Japan.

Now 70, the Prince of Darkness is making the trip to Tokyo as part of his “No More Tours 2,” tour, Ozzy’s second semi-farewell tour (the first was in 1992). “I’m not retiring,” he maintains, “I’m just not doing world tours anymore.”

In this shoutout, Ozzy reminisces fondly about his first trip to Japan and praises the punctuality and work ethic of Japanese people, illustrated with a story about the accuracy with which venue staff replaced a pack of smokes. “The next night the cigarettes were in exactly the same place. Whoa, Deja Vu!”

The incendiary rock and heavy metal festival Download was established in Leicestershire, UK, in 2003, close to Black Sabbath’s home city of Birmingham. Now also held annually in Paris and Sydney, Download remains one of the top festivals in the world for heavy music. Download Japan promises to make a startling debut with a star-studded line up including Slayer, Anthrax, Arch Enemy and Man With A Mission.

The Godfather of Metal closes with a message for his Japan based fans: “Hello Japan, it’s me Ozzy Osbourne! Don’t miss me at Download Japan. You never know. It could be my last.”

Download Festival will take place at Makuhari Messe on March 21. General admission tickets now on sale. Buy here: