Ozzy Osbourne, 74, says he is determined to get back on stage after announcing his retirement from touring due to spinal surgery to fight Parkinson’s
Ozzy Osbourne recently retired from touring and canceled all of his upcoming shows while recovering from spinal surgery.
The 74-year-old rocker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago and has been battling various health issues lately.
However, the rock star insisted he didn’t want to give up and wanted to get back on stage as soon as possible.
Ozzy vowed this wouldn’t be the last we’ll see him perform as he thanked the fans for their support after being left with no choice but to retire from the tour.
Recovery: Ozzy Osbourne recently retired from touring and canceled all of his upcoming shows while recovering from spinal surgery
He told Billboard, “My fans. That’s what I really miss when I’m not gigging.
“I’m a practical guy. I like talking to my fans. I miss her terribly. My goal is to get back on stage as soon as possible.”
During the interview he also hinted that his children Kelly, Jack and Amy Osbourne could follow him and his wife Sharon back to the UK.
He said, ‘Our kids are over here (in America) right now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they eventually follow us back.’
It comes after Ozzy was due to begin his European tour in May, originally scheduled for 2019 and then postponed three times, but it has now been officially canceled along with all other dates in the future.
Ozzy’s final tour show was in December 2018 where he performed as part of a farewell tour, No More Tours II, at Ozzfest in Inglewood.
However, in a heartfelt Instagram post, the Black Sabbath rocker apologized for “disappointing” his fans, admitting, “I never thought my touring days would end like this.”
Bourne Cast Member: However, the rock star recently had an interview in which the star insisted that he plans on not giving up and wants to get back on stage as soon as possible
Health: After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago and battling various health issues lately
He confessed he was still struggling with health issues seven months after undergoing spinal surgery that kept him from becoming paralyzed during his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.
He explained, “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 serious accident that damaged my spine.
“My only goal during that time was to get back on stage. My singing voice is fine. But after three surgeries, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions and the latest breakthrough Cybernics (HAL) treatment, my body is still physically weak.”
Sad news: Ozzy was due to kick off his European tour in May, originally scheduled for 2019 and then delayed three times, but has now been officially cancelled
Ozzy continued: “I am genuinely humbled at how you all have patiently held on to your tickets this whole time, but I have now come to the realization in good conscience that I am physically unable to compete in my upcoming European Championships/ UK tour dates as I know I could not handle the travel required. Believe me when I say the thought of disappointing my fans really pisses me off more than you will ever know.
He continued, “I never thought my touring days would end like this. My team is developing ideas for where I can perform without having to travel from city to city and country to country.
“I want to thank my family…my band…my crew…my longtime friends @JudasPriest and of course my fans for their endless dedication, loyalty and support and for giving me the life I never could have ever dreamed of.”
“Love you all… Ticket refunds are available upon purchase.”
WHAT IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE?
Parkinson’s disease affects one in 500 people and around 127,000 people in the UK are living with the disease.
Numbers also suggest that one million Americans are also suffering.
It causes muscle stiffness, slow movement, tremors, trouble sleeping, chronic fatigue, reduced quality of life and can lead to severe disability.
It’s a progressive neurological disease that destroys cells in the part of the brain that controls movement.
It is known that sufferers have a reduced supply of dopamine because nerve cells that produce it have died.
There is currently no cure and no way to stop the disease from progressing, but hundreds of scientific studies are underway to change this.