Ozzy Osbourne Bids Farewell to Live Performances

Ozzy Osbourne is the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and is hailed as the Prince of Darkness for good reason. After all, he is viewed as one of the originators of metal for good reason. That being said, Osbourne has declared the end of his live performances.

Osbourne is contemplating retirement from live performances if he becomes permanently reliant on a wheelchair due to his ongoing health struggles. While speaking to Rolling Stone UK, he made it clear he won’t make any half-hearted attempts on stage, which is why he wants to end live performances.

“I’m not going to get up there and do a half-hearted Ozzy looking for sympathy.

What’s the f–king point in that? I’m not going up there in a f–king wheelchair.”

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The 74-year-old musician, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003 but only disclosing it publicly in 2020, expressed his reluctance to deliver a performance lacking his usual energy.

He cited Phil Collins, who faced similar health challenges but continued performing in a wheelchair, stating that he couldn’t envision himself doing the same. Ozzy Osbourne’s health journey includes numerous surgeries and treatments related and unrelated to Parkinson’s disease.

“I’ve seen Phil Collins perform recently, and he’s got virtually the same problems as me. He gets up there in a wheelchair! But I couldn’t do that.”

A June 2022 spinal operation raised doubts about his return to the stage. Osbourne, known for hits like “Crazy Train,” acknowledged taking it one day at a time and admitted his struggle with accepting the impact of his illness on his career.

”I’m taking it one day at a time, and if I can perform again, I will.

But it’s been like saying farewell to the best relationship of my life. At the start of my illness, when I stopped touring, I was really pissed off with myself, the doctors and the world. But as time has gone on, I’ve just gone, ‘Well, maybe I’ve just got to accept that fact.’”

The musician had previously canceled tour dates in the UK and Europe, highlighting the challenges posed by his health issues on his ability to perform. Regardless, fans will have to respect Ozzy Osbourne’s decision and that is all that matters.

What’s your opinion on what Ozzy Osbourne said? Are you disappointed he won’t be doing live performances anymore? Sound off in the comments section below!