Ozzy Osbourne confirms he'll never tour again but UK farewell shows are in the works

24 January 2024, 15:04 | Updated: 25 January 2024, 10:25

The "Prince Of Darkness" might be back on stage after all.
The "Prince Of Darkness" might be back on stage after all. Picture: Getty

By Thomas Curtis-Horsfall

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He wants to "say goodbye properly" to his fans.

Ozzy Osbourne's health has deteriorated so much within the past few years, that he's had to cancel both his long-awaited tour as well as his touted comeback show.

The legendary Black Sabbath singer called time on his career in live performance last year, admitting he was not quite ready to perform.

Mooted to play at Power Trip Festival alongside fellow rock veterans AC/DC and Iron Maiden in October - held in Indio, California - Ozzy pulled out citing his health once again.

In 2022, he said to be "on the road to recovery" after having neck and spine surgery due to a 2019 injury, which stemmed from a near-fatal accident in 2003, as well as battling Parkinsons.

It was looking positive for Ozzy's on-stage comeback, especially after his surprise performance alongside Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

At the turn of 2023 however, Osbourne revealed his touring days "have ended" and that his retirement had started.

According to his wife Sharon Osbourne however, he might be making a return to the stage after all, after revealing he was planning two farewell concerts in his hometown of Birmingham.

Ozzy Osbourne last appeared on stage in 2022 alongside Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi at the Commonwealth Games. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Ozzy Osbourne last appeared on stage in 2022 alongside Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi at the Commonwealth Games. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images). Picture: Getty

Appearing on stage in London for her 'Cut The Crap' tour - as reported in the Daily Mirror - which sees her talk in Birmingham too, Sharon revealed:

"He won't tour again but we are planning on doing two more shows to say goodbye as he feels like 'I have never said goodbye to my fans and I want to say goodbye properly'."

She suggested the venue could be Aston Villa's stadium Villa Park, adding: "We will do it in Aston Villa where Ozzy is from."

"His voice is still absolutely perfect. And all the time he has been off he still does his singing lessons so his voice is perfect," which was evidently during his Commonwealth Games performance as well as playing an NFL half-time show in 2022 also.

"And he can joke yeah. He has all these melodies in his head. Even if you don't like his music you can't not like Ozzy, he just draws you in."

The legendary Black Sabbath singer wants to "say goodbye properly" to his fans with two farewell shows. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)
The legendary Black Sabbath singer wants to "say goodbye properly" to his fans with two farewell shows. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns). Picture: Getty

It's great news for Ozzy's loyal fans, after the rock icon cancelled planned dates, opening up on social media in February 2023 saying: "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."

Whilts singing voice was "fine", following three operations, stem cell treatments, physical therapy sessions, and Cybernics (HAL) Treatment, his body is "still physically weak".

Ozzy added: "I am honestly humbled by the way you've all patiently held on to 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."

According to his wife and manager Sharon, the "Prince Of Darkness" might be back for one final hurrah after all.

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