Ozzy Osbourne Retires From Touring 4 Years After Spine Accident

Ozzy Osbourne will no longer be performing on stages across the world.

The renowned artist has announced his retirement from touring and canceled all future concerts to focus on recovering from spinal surgery. The rocker's well-being has been on a downward spiral since he got diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two decades ago amid battling other health problems. Osbourne's last tour happened in December 2018, when he charmed his fans at "Ozzfest" in Inglewood as part of his "No More Tours II."

After rescheduling his European tour, initially set for 2019, three times, Osbourne has given up trying to please his fans with a live show. The 74-year-old officially backed out of the event, and any other future dates via a statement that he shared with his 5.2 million followers.

In the lengthy, heartfelt post, the Black Sabbath band member apologized for "disappointing" his fans, admitting that he never "would have imagined" that his "touring days would have ended this way."

Referencing the spinal surgery that he underwent almost a year ago to save him from paralysis, Osbourne 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 major accident, where I damaged my spine." He then 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."

The "Crazy Train" artist stated that even though his fans' patients "honestly humbled" him, he had "now come to the realization" that he was physically incapable of doing the "upcoming European/UK tour dates, as I know I couldn't deal with the travel required."

The post, which he concluded by appreciating his family, band, friends, and fans, immediately received an influx of positive energy from his followers. "My grandfather says, 'don't burn the candle at both ends.' This is a healthy decision for you, your family, and us, your fans," one person wrote in the comments.

A second fan declared undying love for the "Close My Eyes Forever" rocker, and another told him to "Stay home and be our forever British Master of the Realm!" A fourth person exclaimed:

"It's ok, Ozzy! You have given us all so much more than you know already. Thank you. much love," while a fifth sent, "Endless love and respect to the Prince of F**king Darkness."

Meanwhile, another Instagram user admitted to being saddened by the news, especially after his September pledge to go on tour. According to a report by The Blast, Osbourne had shown dedication to returning to the stage because it is "where I belong."

The "Shot in the Dark" hitmaker had also described his bond with his fans as "the biggest love affair of [his] life." Osbourne has been thrilling his global fan base since 1970 when Black Sabbath released their first heavy metal album, "Paranoid." The project produced hits like "War Pigs," which impressed his name on the hearts of listeners.

Last month, The Blast reported that the television personality was spotted doing some grocery shopping for himself and his wife, Sharon, at the well-known Erewhon Market, close to his home. Although the task did not seem daunting, Ozzy looked frail as he walked to the market, relying on a walking stick and a female assistant as he moved around the store. 

For the trip, the "Children of the Grave" singer donned a black tracksuit with matching trainers and a long tartan coat. Ozzy was saddled with the market run after Sharon's emergency visit to a Californian hospital. 

The British-American star had suffered an unspecified medical emergency while filming at the Glen Tavern Inn, Santa Paula. One insider subsequently claimed that the incident had been "non-life threatening," while Sharon's son, Jack, confirmed that his mother had been released from the hospital and was recovering nicely.

Although the 70-year-old ultimately told her social media followers that she had returned home and was "doing great," she neglected to share what landed her in the hospital in the first place.