Legendary rock star Ozzy Osbourne has announced he’s retiring from touring and will cancel the remainder of his shows.
The 74-year-old former Black Sabbath lead singer was scheduled for multiple upcoming appearances in the U.K. and Europe throughout the remainder of the year. He is currently recovering from spinal surgery.
Osbourne made the announcement official on social media, saying he was grateful to fans who have remained dedicated all along. He said his “singing voice is fine,” but he can’t physically commit to traveling and performing.
This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans… pic.twitter.com/aXGw3fjImo
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) February 1, 2023
“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 “Crazy Train” rocker wrote.
“Never would I have imagined my touring days would end this way,” Osbourne went on. “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.”
The rock star underwent major surgery last summer which involved realigning pins in his neck and back. His wife Sharon Osbourne said the “major operation” would “determine the rest of his life.”
In September, Osbourne discussed how he wasn’t ready to step back and stop touring. “It’s where I belong,” he told People of being on stage. “The relationship I have with my audience is the biggest love affair of my life.”
“I am determined to get back on stage even if I have to be nailed to a board and wheeled on,” Osbourne continued. “Survival is my legacy.”
The rocker has experienced many challenges throughout his career, including alcohol and substance abuse struggles and multiple hospitalizations. His current physical issues result from a near-fatal ATV accident in 2003. He’s gone through several surgeries since then.
Osbourne has been open about the pain of recovery ever since then, saying he’s experienced “agony” following the surgery.
“It got so bad that at one point I thought: ‘Oh God, please don’t let me wake up tomorrow morning’” he told The Guardian.