Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has announced his retirement from touring due to health issues. The 74-year-old singer and former Black Sabbath frontman released a statement saying that he was “humbled” by the patience of his fans who had been waiting for his upcoming shows.
“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,” he said.
Osbourne explained that he had suffered a major accident four years ago which had damaged his spine. He had undergone three operations, stem cell treatments, and physical therapy sessions, as well as the groundbreaking Cybernics (HAL) Treatment, but was still suffering from physical weakness.
The singer also said that he had realized he was not physically capable of doing the upcoming European/UK tour dates as the traveling was too much for him. He expressed how much he hated the thought of disappointing his fans and thanked them for their “endless dedication, loyalty, and support”.
“Believe me when I say that the thought of disappointing my fans really F***S ME UP, more than you will ever know,” he said in the statement. “Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way.”
Osbourne’s statement ended with him saying that he was still open to other options that would allow him to perform without having to travel so much. He left the door open for the possibility of performing in the future, although the exact form of how this could take place is still unknown.
He concluded the message by saying, “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.”
For now, ticket refunds are available for those who have already purchased tickets for his upcoming shows.
