Ozzy Osbourne announces retirement from touring, cancelling shows

The 74-year-old singer said he is too week to travel from city to city to perform.

Musician Ozzy Osbourne signs copies of his album
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Ozzy Osbourne has announced his retirement from touring, cancelling the European leg of his No More Tours 2 tour.

The 74-year-old Black Sabbath frontman - who has been diagnosed with degenerative disease Parkinson’s and recently had major spinal surgery - admitted he is too physically weak to travel from city to city to perform live on stage.

Osbourne said in a statement: “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.

Read more: Ozzy Osbourne still struggling to walk six months after surgery

“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.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Musician Ozzy Osbourne performs during half-time of the 2022 NFL season opening game between the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Ozzy Osbourne performs during half-time at an American Football game in California in September 2022.(Getty Images)

“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. Believe me when I say that the thought of disappointing my fans really F***S 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."

Watch: Ozzy Osbourne struggling to walk following spinal surgery

The rocker added: “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…”

The European leg of Osbourne's No More Tours 2 tour was originally due to take place in 2019, but was postponed when he fell ill. Many fans have held tickets since then, on the promise they would be honoured.

The British singer made a surprise appearance at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in August 2022, performing Black Sabbath's 1970 hit Paranoid with members of the band, which was formed in the city.

The same month he said: “I will get back on tour if it f***ing kills me."

He also performed a halftime during an American Football game in September 2022.

Osbourne had an operation to remove and realign the pins in his neck and back that were inserted following a quad-biking accident in 2003.

Ozzy Osbourne performs on stage during the Closing Ceremony for the 2022 Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Picture date: Monday August 8, 2022. (Photo by David Davies/PA Images via Getty Images)
Ozzy Osbourne performing at the Birmingham Common Wealth Games in August 2022. (Getty Images)

He originally injured his spine in a quad-bike accident in 2003. Pins were fitted to realign his back and neck following the injury.

But these were then knocked out of place when he suffered a fall at his Los Angeles home in 2019 and he underwent another operation.

After being plagued by health problems he revealed in an emotional interview with Good Morning America in January 2020 that he had been diagnosed with degenerative disease Parkinson’s, which affects the nervous system and can cause depression.

He and wife Sharon Osbourne are set to star in a new documentary series about their life on BBC.

Read more: Ozzy Osbourne doesn't want to move back to the UK any more

The couple and their children Jack and Kelly Osbourne were propelled into the spotlight when they previously starred in MTV reality show The Osbournes between 2002 and 2005, which filmed their everyday lives inside their home. The series set the model for many celebrity docu-dramas to come.