Ozzy Osbourne says he has every desire to return to performing live however his body just isn’t physically able to
Speaking with Rolling Stone, Ozzy Osbourne recently discussed his first-ever Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame nomination as a solo artist. The 75-eyar-old singer, who was inducted along with his fellow BLACK SABBATH band members back in 2006, said: “It’s been driving me mad. It’s an honor that I’m nominated, but I’m not expecting to get in. There’s Mariah Carey, there’s Cher, Lenny Kravitz. I’m up against some serious people. If I get in, I get in. If I don’t, I don’t.”
Ozzy Osbourne, despite his physical challenges, has been on a productive streak, having released two albums in the past four years. Both “Ordinary Man,” unleashed in 2020, and “Patient Number 9,” which hit the shelves in 2022, were produced by the acclaimed Andrew Watt.
Adding to his impressive discography, Ozzy Osbourne has recently confirmed his intention to embark on yet another musical endeavor: the creation of a new record. This announcement comes as thrilling news for fans eagerly awaiting more material from the Prince of Darkness.
“I’m waiting for Andrew Watt to give me a call,” he said. “He’s been working with Lady Gaga. I’m dying to make more music.”
The iconic BLACK SABBATH singer, who has struggled with numerous health challenges in recent years, was also asked when he thinks he might be able to return to the live stage. He said: “I would love to, but I can’t stand up right. Maybe I’ll do something one day. I miss it terribly.” When asked whether he would be able to do a short set if inducted into the Rock Hall, he said, “Maybe. We’ll see.”
Four years ago, Ozzy Osbourne disclosed a deeply personal health revelation: he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder known for its slow advancement and lack of a cure. This diagnosis shed light on Osbourne‘s ongoing health struggles, adding to a medical history marked by adversity.
In addition to his battle with Parkinson’s, Ozzy has faced other significant health challenges in the past. In 2003, he experienced a harrowing accident while riding a quad-bike, resulting in a serious fall that dislodged the metal rods previously implanted in his spine. This incident further underscored the resilience required in his journey, as he navigated through the physical and emotional toll of such traumatic events.
Back in September, Ozzy discussed his series of operations in a talk with Metal Hammer, sharing his hopes of making “one more album” and a return to touring.
“I’ve had all the surgery now, thank God,” he said. “I’m feeling okay. It was just dragging on. I thought I’d be back on my feet months ago. I just couldn’t get used to this mode of living, constantly having something wrong. I can’t walk properly yet, but I’m not in any pain anymore and the surgery on my spine went great.”
Osbourne also discussed his plans for 2024, saying: “I’m getting myself fit. I’ve done two albums fairly recently, but I want to do one more album and then go back on the road.”
Ozzy‘s wife and manager Sharon Osbourne also recently revealed that the singer is gearing up to “bid farewell” to his fans with a pair of ultimate performances in his original birthplace of Birmingham, England.
As reported by the Mirror, the iconic vocalist’s spouse and manager shared insights into Ozzy Osbourne‘s stage return during her new “Cut The Crap” tour in London.
Sharon discussed the chances of Ozzy Osbourne performing live again, saying: “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’.” Seeming to suggest the venue could be Aston Villa’s stadium Villa Park, she added: “We will do it in Aston Villa where Ozzy is from.
“His voice is still absolutely perfect,” she continued. “And all the time he has been off, he still does his singing lessons, so his voice is perfect. 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.”
Last July, the BLACK SABBATH frontman had to pull out of the Power Trip festival due to persistent physical issues.
Despite various health setbacks, including contracting COVID-19 two years ago, Ozzy had to cancel numerous previously announced tours. However, expressing optimism about his condition, the musician maintained that he would make a return if his health improved.
Ozzy Osbourne‘s much-anticipated European tour alongside JUDAS PRIEST, initially slated for 2019 and rescheduled thrice, was officially called off in early February 2023.
Despite the health challenges, Ozzy Osbourne has graced the stage a few times in recent years, delivering memorable performances at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in August 2022 and the NFL halftime show during the season opener between the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills in September 2022.
