Ozzy Osbourne has announced his retirement from touring, effective immediately. The Prince of Darkness revealed the news in a lengthy post on his social media.
A string of setbacks had largely kept Ozzy from touring over the past several years. In early 2019, the he was hospitalized multiple times due to complications from the flu, which sent his U.K. and European tour off the rails in January 2019. In October 2019, Osbourne suffered a fall that prevented him from staging a leg of European No More Tours 2 dates. Then, in early 2020, the singer revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, throwing all future tour dates in doubt. The pandemic did its thing from there, causing various other postponements on Ozzy’s touring schedule.
Following an additional 2022 postponement due to “travel logistics in much of Europe,” the tour was due to resume in at Helsinki, Finland’s Hartwall Arena on May 3rd, 2023. All of the oft-postponed No More Tours 2 dates have now been canceled. Ticket refunds are available at point of purchase.
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“This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans,” Ozzy’s retirement announcement began. “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,” the founding Black Sabbath singer continued. “Believe me when I say that the thought of disappointing my fans really [EXPLETIVE]s ME UP, more than you will ever know.”
He added, “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…”
While Ozzy Osbourne may be done touring, he’s not necessarily finished being Ozzy Osbourne. While waiting out a tour postponement in 2022, he released his 13th studio album, Patient Number 9, which features contributions from Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Eric Clapton, Zakk Wylde, Tony Iommi, and the late Jeff Beck. The album netted Osbourne a Best Rock Album nomination at the 2023 Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 5th.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Ozzy has “retired.” The first edition of No More Tours took place back in 1992, and he has mounted various “retirement” tours in the time since. But with time and health becoming increasingly significant factors, this one sounds like it will stick.
We love you, too, Ozzy. Thanks for all the darkness.
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