Ozzy Osbourne's Health Struggles: His Ultimate Wish to Perform One Last Show
Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne discusses his health challenges in a candid interview with Rolling Stone Expressing his deep gratitude to fans, he reveals that performing one final show would bring him immense happiness
Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne discussed his health challenges in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, expressing his desire to perform one last show to show his appreciation to his fans. "If I can't keep up with regular performances, I just want to be fit enough to do one show where I can say, 'Hi guys, thanks so much for my life.' That's what I'm aiming for, and if I keel over at the end of it, I'll be content," he said.
Circa 1970:Photo of Black Sabbath(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
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From ants to bats, Ozzy Osbournes crazy life on the road
The 74-year-old revealed in February that he was ending his touring career due to being physically unable to continue, following multiple health setbacks. In July, he canceled his appearance at a music festival set for October. Since a major accident four years ago, Osbourne has had multiple spine surgeries and disclosed his Parkinson's diagnosis in January 2020.
Osbourne admitted that the fall and subsequent surgeries were very difficult for him. He mentioned that the second surgery resulted in him being virtually crippled. He had hoped to recover after the second and third surgeries, but the last one required a rod in his spine. Additionally, a tumor was found in one of his vertebrae, necessitating further treatment. Despite some intermittent performances, Osbourne has been noticeably absent from the stage.
Osbourne's career started with the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath. He went on to win Grammy Awards for his solo work and with the band before leaving in 1979.
Ozzy Osbourne, pictured in 1991
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He rose to fame for his lively performances and music, particularly in the 1980s. Notably, he gained attention for throwing raw meat at concert attendees and mistakenly biting into a fan-thrown dead bat, believing it to be rubber.
"I'm taking things day by day, and if I can get back to performing, I will," he remarked. "But it's been like saying goodbye to the greatest relationship of my life. When my illness first hit and I had to stop touring, I was really angry at myself, the doctors, and the world. But as time has passed, I've come to accept it."
The legendary singer dismissed the idea of performing in a half-hearted manner like "a half-hearted Ozzy looking for sympathy." He mentioned that he had seen Phil Collins perform with similar health issues and admired his resilience, but expressed that he personally couldn't bring himself to perform in a wheelchair like Collins.
