Ozzy Osbourne has announced his retirement from touring. Consequently, the remaining dates of his No More Tours 2 stint with Judas Priest in Europe and the UK have been cancelled.
"This is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to share with my loyal fans," the former Black Sabbath bandleader wrote in a statement. "As you may all know, four years ago, this month, I had a major accident, where I damaged my spine," he continued, referring to the fall he took at home in 2019.
The accident led to neck and spine injuries that required major surgery. Since the fall, the musician has also coped with Parkinson's, pneumonia, multiple staph infections, a burst blood vessel in his eye and the flu.
"My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage," he continued, writing:
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 realisation 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.
No More Tours 2 was first announced in 2018 and has since been postponed and rescheduled myriad times due to both Osbourne's health issues and the pandemic. Last year, he released Patient Number 9.
See the statement from Osbourne below.
"This is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to share with my loyal fans," the former Black Sabbath bandleader wrote in a statement. "As you may all know, four years ago, this month, I had a major accident, where I damaged my spine," he continued, referring to the fall he took at home in 2019.
The accident led to neck and spine injuries that required major surgery. Since the fall, the musician has also coped with Parkinson's, pneumonia, multiple staph infections, a burst blood vessel in his eye and the flu.
"My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage," he continued, writing:
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 realisation 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.
No More Tours 2 was first announced in 2018 and has since been postponed and rescheduled myriad times due to both Osbourne's health issues and the pandemic. Last year, he released Patient Number 9.
See the statement from Osbourne below.