"This is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to share with my loyal fans," Osbourne wrote.
Ozzy Osbourne has quit touring. The 74-year-old Black Sabbath musician announced on February 1 that he is ending his tour due to a spinal injury and has canceled all of his remaining dates. Osbourne apologized to his fans in a moving Instagram post about his deteriorating physical condition. "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," Osbourne said.
"My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage," he continued. "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," the post added.
Osbourne continued by stating that due to his inability to handle the necessary travel, he "came to the realization" that he was "not physically capable" of completing his planned UK and European tour dates. "Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way," Osbourne wrote, heartbreakingly, in his Instagram post. The Prince of Darkness shared that his 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," adding that performance tickets can be refunded.
He concluded the post, writing, "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."
Osbourne underwent surgery in 2019 after a fall aggravated a 16-year-old ATV accident injury to his neck and back. He has had two more procedures since then, the most recent being in June 2022. Following his fall, he was also given a Parkinson's disease diagnosis and now, he walks with a cane. Ozbourne was extremely excited to be back touring, as he has wanted for years now.
In an August 2022 interview with Guardian, Osbourne said, “I’m saying to you I’ll give it the best shot I can for another tour. You have not seen the end of Ozzy Osbourne, I promise you. If I have to go up there and die on the first song, I’ll still be back the next day.”
In another interview with PEOPLE in September 2022, Osbourne shared that the road is where he belongs. "It's where I belong," he said, adding, "The relationship I have with my audience is the biggest love affair of my life."
References:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoHFEa1O6Lv/
https://people.com/music/ozzy-osbourne-determined-to-tour-after-nightmare-health-setbacks/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo By Harry How
