Ozzy Osbourne's Touring Days Over: The Iconic Singer Can't Hit the Road Anymore
In a Wednesday-published statement, the 74-year-old rocker announced that he's had to call it quits on touring due to a spinal injury he suffered four years ago. "My sole goal in this time was to get back on stage," he said. "I've got an amazing voice. After three operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy, and finally the incredible Cybernetic treatment (HAL), my body just can't take it anymore."
Osbourne, a founding member of the groundbreaking heavy metal band Black Sabbath, won Grammy awards for both his solo work and as a band member, leaving the group in 1978.
Osbourne delayed his 2019 tour to recover from an initial back injury, saying at the time of the tour cancellation, "I truly apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I'm really looking forward to seeing you all again."
His farewell tour of Europe and the UK is set to begin in Helsinki, Finland, in May.
Lately, Osbourne's health has taken a hit. In January 2020, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, followed by a Covid-19 infection in April 2022. He underwent surgery at the end of that year.
"My team's been working on some ideas that would allow me to perform without constantly traveling from city to city," Osbourne added in his statement. He ended with a heartfelt thank you to his family, band, crew, old friends, Judas Priest, and fans "for your undying loyalty and support, and for giving me a life I never dreamed of."
Original Source:
In depth: Ozzy's Relentless Struggle with Parkinson's Disease
Osbourne's beloved music career has faced significant roadblocks due to the Progressive nature of Parkinson's disease. Here are the key points:
- Mobility Issues: Osbourne has publicly admitted that Parkinson's disease has left him unable to walk, necessitating the use of a physiotherapist to help him navigate his daily life[1][3][5].
- Limited Performance Capacity: Although his voice remains unaffected and strong, Osbourne has revealed that he won't be able to deliver a full set with Black Sabbath during his final performance. Instead, he plans to perform "bits and pieces," focusing on what he can comfortably handle[3].
- Final Farewell: The Villa Park show in Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025, is billed as Osbourne's final live performance, giving him the opportunity to bid his fans a proper adieu while sharing the stage with Black Sabbath and other legendary metal acts[1][2][5].
- Charitable Endeavors: Proceeds from the event are being earmarked for Cure Parkinson's, a UK charity dedicated to eradicating the disease that Osbourne was diagnosed with in 2019[4].
As work progresses on his alternatve performance solutions, Osbourne and his fans prepare for an emotional and monumental conclusion to a legendary career.
