Ozzy Osbourne has decided that his touring days are over. He announced via Twitter that his No More Tours II tour, a UK and Europe farewell tour which was set to kick off in May, is canceled and that future tours are not likely due to his recent illnesses and injuries restricting him from proper travel.
“This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans,” he wrote. “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 No More Tours II was originally scheduled for 2017, but has been postponed numerous times due to unforeseen circumstances—from his spine injury, to contracting Covid, to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020.
“I am honestly humbled by the way you’ve all patiently held onto your tickets for all this time,” he continued in his statement, “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.”
While his body is holding him from necessary travel required for touring, as he stated, his singing voice is in good shape. With this, Ozzy is optimistic about still performing live in a way that doesn’t need the 74-year-old to venture from city to city.
“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.”
Possible solutions could be something like a residency in Vegas or somewhere else where he can stay put in one location for a period of time while still performing live.
In June last year, Ozzy underwent a “very major operation” in which his wife, Sharon, said,” It’s really going to determine the rest of his life.” Months later, it was revealed that Ozzy’s surgery was done on his spine to fix nerve damage that he suffered from a quad accident in 2003. He talked to GMA in September, giving an update on how his recovery had been going.
“Since I’ve had the surgery, I’ve improved quite considerably,” and that he could “hold [his] head up” better than before his operation. “I have to negotiate everywhere I want to go, and I tire easily, but I’m well. My family have been absolutely wonderful while I’ve been laid up.”
This came at the time he released his newest album, Patient Number 9, which is now nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2023 Grammys, as well as select songs being nominated for various other awards.
Ozzy ended his statement thanking his family, friends (including fellow heavy metal rockers, Judas Priest), and his 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…” he concluded.
Sources:
usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/ozzy-osbourne-cancels-tour-due-to-spine-injury-statement/
