- Ozzy Osbourne announced Tuesday that he is retiring from touring for health reasons.
- Osbourne shared the news on Instagram and announced the cancellation of his upcoming European tour.
Ozzy Osbourne announced Tuesday that he is retiring from touring for health reasons.
The former Black Sabbath lead singer, 74, shared the news in an Instagram post regarding the cancellation of his upcoming European tour.
He was to play shows in Germany, Finland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and other European countries across May and June.
"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," Osbourne wrote.
"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 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," he added.
Osbourne said that he hopes to continue to do shows in the future "without having to travel from city to city and country to country."
"Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way," he said. ""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."
Ticket refunds are available at the point of purchase.
Osbourne released nine studio albums with Black Sabbath, including the critically acclaimed "Paranoid." He was fired from the band in 1979 due to alcohol and drug problems but went on to have a successful solo career, releasing 13 studio albums.
He has been nominated for four Grammy awards at the forthcoming ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday.