Ozzy Says His “Touring Days Are Over,” Cancels Upcoming UK/European Tour Due to Health Issues
The world may have seen the last of one of metal’s biggest icons performing live this past September, as Ozzy Osbourne announced via social media late last night that ongoing health issues have forced him to cancel his upcoming UK/European tour and retire from touring all together.
Ozzy was originally slated to tour from May 3 in Helsinki, Finland until June 14 in his hometown of Birmingham, though those dates were actually makeups from when he was forced to postpone the tour pack in 2021. And while the 19 scheduled tour dates count for a relatively small tour for such a massive star, it’s definitely a long trip for a 74-year-old man in his current condition.
In a heartfelt message to fans via social media, Ozzy said he was gutted that he couldn’t fulfill his commitments, stating that he can still sing, but his body just won’t let him handle the rigors that go along with traveling while on tour.
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, @JudasPriest, 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…
Ticket refunds are available at point of purchase.
Of particular note in his message is the whole “never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way” bit. This isn’t like when Black Sabbath (and later Ozzy himself) would have a farewell tour only to reunite and tour again. This sounds like the definitive end for Ozzy’s live on the road.
Even though he partied hard and took a legendary amount of drugs in his youth, it’s crazy to think that an accident that required him to have metal rods in his neck and back from a 2003 ATV accident would be the thing to force him to hang it up. At 74 years old, the question of when he would finally retire has long been a topic of conversation among fans, especially given his recent health issues.
Just last month, Ozzy said during a recent edition of his SiriusXM show that he was worried that he wouldn’t be able to tour, but that he desperately wanted to perform.
“It is really awful what is going on. It is a nightmare. Sometimes I forget. I am lying on the couch, go to get up and I cannot do that any more.
My sense of balance is all over the place. I have physical therapy and am trying to do things on my own. Progress is… fucking hell, you have no idea. The thing is my head is alright, my creativity is okay, my singing okay, but I just can’t fucking walk much now.
“But I am determined to be back on stage even if I am nailed to a board with wheels on it.”
It’s sad to know that the “Prince of Darkness” is done. The man is a fucking legend and deserves to get some rest with his family in retirement. It’s just a shame he couldn’t call the shots on when his touring days would come to an end.
