Ozzy Osbourne announces he’s retiring from touring

Ozzy Osbourne has released an official statement detailing his current health issues and how this ultimately led him to cancel his upcoming UK tour and retire from touring entirely.

“This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans,” says Osbourne. “As you may all know, four years ago this month I had a serious accident that damaged my spine. My only goal during this time was to go back on stage. My singing voice is fine. However, after three surgeries, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions and the last breakthrough Cybernics (HAL) treatment, my body is still physically weak.

I am honestly humbled at how you all have patiently held on to your tickets for so long, but I have now come to the realization in good conscience that I am physically unable to fulfill my upcoming European/UK tour dates, eh I know I could not manage the necessary travel. Believe me when I say the thought of disappointing my fans really F**KS me more than you will ever know. I never thought my touring days would end like this. My team is developing ideas for where I can 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 I never dreamed of I would have. I love you all…”

This news is certainly a sad day for the rock and metal community as Ozzy Osbourne is considered one of the most iconic artists on the scene and is widely credited with helping bring extreme bands and genres into the mainstream. In fact, one could argue that Ozzy Osbourne has been the “poster child” of the metal genre since its inception. Although many fans have criticized Osbourne in the past for his ventures into mainstream television and advertising, those critics have often overlooked the fact that Osbourne single-handedly introduced millions of people to heavy metal music by engaging in pop culture has involved.

That being said, it’s no big surprise that Ozzy Osbourne is retiring at this point in his career. With his health and family at the center of his life right now, touring doesn’t sound remotely practical to him if he’s looking to maintain his health, singing voice and overall well-being. However, it should be noted that Osbourne’s return to the stage is not entirely out of the question, as he said in his statement. I would imagine that one-off shows like Osbourne did in the NFL season opener this year are a far more realistic scenario for further developing his career as an artist.