Ozzy Osbourne shares heartbreaking health update

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By Phoebe Egoroff

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Famed rocker Ozzy Osbourne has just announced that he's retiring from touring amid multiple health battles, he confirmed via Instagram.

The 74-year-old had been preparing to tour across Europe which has been postponed a number of times since first being announced in 2019. British heavy metal band Judas Priest - known for hits like 'Painkiller' and 'Breaking the Law' - was also set to appear on the tour.

His latest album Patient Number 9 was released in September 2022 and was met with positive reviews - NME even gave it a perfect score, calling it: "A fizzing piece of hard-rock magic."

Late guitarist Jeff Beck even featured on the album, playing guitar on its title track 'Patient Number 9', a song touching upon mental health struggles.

The 'Crazy Train' singer and former Black Sabbath frontman has had his fair share of health battles over the past few years, having first announced he'd no longer be touring when he was originally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 30 years ago, Variety detailed.

This time, however, the Prince of Darkness' deteriorating health has forced him to make the decision to step away from touring once again, taking to Instagram and making the announcement to his 5.2 million followers that he would be retiring.

"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," the statement began.

It continued: "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 F**KS 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, 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…" Ozzy's statement concluded.

Evidently, the rocker's 2019 fall has had lasting effects, with the Daily Mirror reporting that this further aggravated previous injuries he'd sustained from his 2003 quad bike accident.

In 2022, the 'Mr. Crowley' singer - who also suffers from Parkinson's - underwent further spinal surgery.

Soon after he stated (via The Daily Mail): "Thank God I found the right surgeon who knows how to deal with spinal problems. He had to cut nerves and you have to take f***ing nerve-pain pills, but I am getting better."

Featured image credit: stewart writtle / Alamy

Ozzy Osbourne shares heartbreaking health update

vt-author-image

By Phoebe Egoroff

Article saved!Article saved!

Famed rocker Ozzy Osbourne has just announced that he's retiring from touring amid multiple health battles, he confirmed via Instagram.

The 74-year-old had been preparing to tour across Europe which has been postponed a number of times since first being announced in 2019. British heavy metal band Judas Priest - known for hits like 'Painkiller' and 'Breaking the Law' - was also set to appear on the tour.

His latest album Patient Number 9 was released in September 2022 and was met with positive reviews - NME even gave it a perfect score, calling it: "A fizzing piece of hard-rock magic."

Late guitarist Jeff Beck even featured on the album, playing guitar on its title track 'Patient Number 9', a song touching upon mental health struggles.

The 'Crazy Train' singer and former Black Sabbath frontman has had his fair share of health battles over the past few years, having first announced he'd no longer be touring when he was originally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 30 years ago, Variety detailed.

This time, however, the Prince of Darkness' deteriorating health has forced him to make the decision to step away from touring once again, taking to Instagram and making the announcement to his 5.2 million followers that he would be retiring.

"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," the statement began.

It continued: "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 F**KS 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, 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…" Ozzy's statement concluded.

Evidently, the rocker's 2019 fall has had lasting effects, with the Daily Mirror reporting that this further aggravated previous injuries he'd sustained from his 2003 quad bike accident.

In 2022, the 'Mr. Crowley' singer - who also suffers from Parkinson's - underwent further spinal surgery.

Soon after he stated (via The Daily Mail): "Thank God I found the right surgeon who knows how to deal with spinal problems. He had to cut nerves and you have to take f***ing nerve-pain pills, but I am getting better."

Featured image credit: stewart writtle / Alamy