“This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans.”
By Luiz Athayde
The iconic Ozzy Osbourne has announced his retirement from the stage. After rescheduling twice the No More Tours 2, European tour he would do with Judas Priest, the “Prince of Darkness” found himself in an inevitable situation: health.
In a long and sad statement, Ozzy emphasizes that singing is not the problem, but the fact that his physical condition still falls short of being able to cope with a heavy touring schedule. Read on:
“This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans. As you may all know, four years ago, this month, I had a major accident, where I damaged my spine.
My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage. My singing voice is fine. However, after three operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions, and most recently groundbreaking Cybernics (HAL) Treatment, my body is still physically weak.
I am honestly humbled by the way you’ve all patiently held onto your tickets for all this time, but in all good conscience, I have now come to the realization that I’m not physically capable of doing my upcoming European/UK tour dates, as I know I couldn’t deal with the travel required. Believe me when I say that the thought of disappointing my fans really FUCKS ME UP, more than you will ever know.
Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way. My team is currently coming up with ideas for where I will be able to perform without having to travel from city to city and country to country.
I want to thank my family……my band…….my crew……my longtime friends, Judas Priest, and of course, my fans for their endless dedication, loyalty, and support, and for giving me the life that I never ever dreamed I would have.
I love you all…”
“It’s really horrible what’s happening. It’s a nightmare. Sometimes I forget. I’m lying on the couch, I go to get up and I can’t. My sense of balance is all over the place. I do physical therapy and I’m trying to do things on my own. The progress is… Fucking hell, you have no idea. [The thing is, my head is fine, my creativity is fine, my singing voice is fine, but I just can’t walk much right now. But I’m determined to be back on stage, even if I’m nailing on a board with wheels on it.”
The tour would celebrate his 50-year career, including his latest studio album, Patient Number 9, released in September 2022 on the Sony Music imprint. The record features a constellation of special guests, including Tony Iommi, Eric Clapton, Josh Homme (Queens Of The Stone Age), Duff McKagan, and the now deceased Jeff Beck and Taylor Hawkins.