Ozzy Osbourne says he's 'virtually crippled' after tumor and back surgery

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By Asiya Ali

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Ozzy Osbourne has revealed in a candid interview that a series of health issues have now left him "virtually crippled".

The English singer-songwriter has undergone multiple operations over the last decade which has left him struggling with mobility and needing to use a cane or wheelchair to get around.

The 74-year-old Black Sabbath frontman suffered a bike collision back in 2003, leaving him needing surgery to put rods in his spine. That same year, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease - but did not publicly reveal that he was suffering from the progressive nervous system disorder until 2020.

In 2019, Osbourne suffered a fall that affected the rods in his back and required him to undergo yet another spinal surgery.

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Ozzy Osbourne has undergone several surgeries in recent years. Credit: Kevin Winter / Getty

Speaking about his health decline to Rolling Stone UK, Osbourne explained that the second surgery he underwent for his spine had gone "drastically wrong".

"I thought I'd be up and running after the second and third, but with the last one, they put a f***ing rod in my spine. They found a tumor in one of the vertebrae, so they had to dig all that out too. It's pretty rough, man, and my balance is all f***ed up," he said.

The 'Crazy Train' singer sadly confessed that it's been "rough" and his balance has been impacted, therefore this could be the end of his live performances as he wouldn't consider performing in a wheelchair.

"I’m taking it one day at a time, and if I can perform again, I will," he said, but he wouldn’t "do a half-hearted Ozzy looking for sympathy".

"I’m not going up there in a wheelchair. I’ve seen Phil Collins perform recently, and he’s got virtually the same problems as me. He gets up there in a wheelchair. But I couldn’t do that," he added.

Earlier this year, the 'Paranoid' rocker announced that he was unable to go on tour following numerous procedures to treat his spinal issues.

Breaking the news of the cancellation, Osbourne shared a statement on social media that read: "As painful as this is, I’ve had to make the decision to bow out of performing on Power Trip in October.

"My original plan was to return to the stage in the summer of 2024, and when the offer to do this show came in, I optimistically moved forward," he continued. "Unfortunately, my body is telling me that I’m just not ready yet and I am much too proud to have the first show that I do in nearly five years be half-a**ed.

"The band that will be replacing me on Power Trip will be announced shortly. They are personal friends of mine and I can promise that you will not be disappointed. Above all, I want to thank my fans, my band, and my crew for their unconditional loyalty and continual support."

He signed off: "I love you all and I will see you soon. God Bless, Ozzy."

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Ozzy Osbourne is unsure if he will perform on stage again. Credit: Alex Pantling / Getty

Elsewhere in the interview with Rolling Stone, Osbourne morbidly revealed that he believes he has about ten years left to live.

After his wife Sharon Osbourne became concerned about him smoking marijuana, he told her: "'How long do you want me to f***ing live for?! At best, I’ve got 10 years left and when you’re older, time picks up speed.'"

The singer then revealed that he doesn't fear death, but also doesn't want his final years to be "a long, painful, and miserable existence".

"I like the idea that if you have a terminal illness, you can go to a place in Switzerland and get it done quickly," he added. "I saw my father die of cancer."

Featured image credit: Harry How / Getty