This week brought sad news to the rock world, as one of heavy metal’s greatest artists, Ozzy Osbourne, announced his retirement from the stage owing to poor health caused by a spinal injury.
The “Godfather of Metal,” the iconic Black Sabbath frontman, announced the news on his social media pages early this morning.
This is perhaps one of the most difficult things he’s ever had to communicate with his devoted supporters. As one may know, he suffered a serious accident four years ago, this month, in which he injured his spine, as Osbourne wrote.
This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans… pic.twitter.com/aXGw3fjImo
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) February 1, 2023
During this period, his only goal has been to go back on stage, he concluded. His singing voice is in good shape. His body is still physically weak despite three surgeries, stem cell therapies, innumerable physical therapy sessions, and, most recently, the revolutionary Cybernics (HAL) Treatment.
Osbourne went on to postpone his planned European and UK tour dates, stating that he has come to the understanding that he is not physically capable of performing the tour dates and couldn’t cope with the trip involved.
Ozzy Osbourne was scheduled to resume his “No More Tours II” farewell tour. Due to Osbourne’s health concerns and the COVID-19 epidemic, the tour has been delayed for years.
Osbourne had intended to continue the tour with heavy metal band Judas Priest this year. But now he’s realized it’s better to cancel.
The news marks the conclusion of one of the most illustrious and iconic touring careers in rock history. Osbourne has been on the road since his early days with Black Sabbath in 1970.
Metal fans have flocked to Osbourne’s shows, both as a solo act and with Black Sabbath. He is well-known for his vivacious stage presence and theatricality. The 1980 “Blizzard of Ozz” tour in promotion of his debut solo record and the biennial “Ozzfest” music festival were two of his significant tours.
Early performances by Osbourne were also known for being unexpected and sometimes controversial. For example, in 1982, Osbourne bit the head off of a bat on stage, for which he has since apologized.
While his famous touring career has come to an end, Osbourne wishes to continue playing in a way that does not involve substantial travel.
He never anticipated that his touring days would end this way, Osbourne wrote. His team is now brainstorming locations where he can perform without having to go from city to city and nation to nation.
He thanked his family, band, crew, lifelong friends, Judas Priest, and, of course, his fans for their everlasting commitment, devotion, and encouragement, and for providing him the life that he never ever dreamt he would have.
It’s the end of an era for metal fans, but it’s apparent that Ozzy believes now is the time to quit touring and focus on his health.
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