Extremely sad news this morning as Ozzy Osbourne cancels his long-awaited farewell tour across Europe and the UK. In a statement, Osbourne said his body is physically too weak to get out on the road and that his touring days are over.
Osbourne said he's working with his doctors on solutions to play shows without having to travel very much, and expressed thanks for his friends, fans, family, and Judas Priest for being the openers to the now-canceled tour.
Osbourne's full statement is below.
"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.
"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 FUCKS 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 Osbourne underwent surgery in 2019 to correct injuries following a serious fall. The fall dislodged rods in Osbourne's body originally put in place after a 2003 ATV accident, causing all Osbourne's 2019 touring plans to get moved to the ill-fated year of 2020.
Osbourne even returned to the stage briefly for the halftime show of an NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills on September 8, but doubted his return to the stage for touring duties in a recent interview.
"It is so fucking tough because, I mean, I want to be out there," he said. "I want to be doing it. This fucking surgery this guy did. Fucking hell, you have no idea. The thing is my head is all right, my creativity is OK, my singing OK but I just can't fucking walk much now."
Osbourne also lamented his overall health in recent years, adding "I can't begin to tell you how fucking frustrating life has become. It is amazing how you go along in life and one stupid thing can screw everything up for a long time. I have never been ill this long in my life."
