Ozzy Osbourne has long placed his music career first, but in this day and age, he needs to put his health and wellbeing first.
The Black Sabbath vocalist has seen a number of health setbacks recently, including Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and many surgeries following a terrible accident.
Although he has previously stated his resolve to keep doing what he loves most—performing on stage—he had a difficult update for fans on Monday who were hoping to catch him at the Power Trip Festival, a rock music extravaganza hosted by Coachella founders Goldenvoice and featuring legendary rock bands like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and others.
Even though the event is slated to take place from October 6 to 8, Ozzy said on Monday, July 10, that he had to make the “painful” decision to forego performing.
He said in a post on Instagram: “As painful as this is, I’ve had to make the decision to bow out of performing on Power Trip in October.”
When the offer to perform this play came in, I eagerly moved forward, he said. “My original plan was to return to the stage in the summer of 2024.”
Although he insisted he was eager to make his long-awaited stage return, he said: “Unfortunately, my body is telling me that I’m just not ready yet and I am much too proud to have the first show that I do in nearly five years be half-assed.”
He said, “The band who will be replacing me on Power Trip will be announced shortly,” before assuring the crowd, “I can assure that you will not be let down. They are personal friends of mine.
I love you all and I’ll see you soon, he continued, before saying: “Above all, I want to thank my fans, my band, and my crew for their unconditional loyalty and continual support.”
His devoted followers were quick to offer their sympathies and encouragement, stating in the post’s comments section: “Everyone loves you my friend. Take care of yourself, and there’s no need to apologize, sir; you’ve given me a lot of enjoyment over the years. Take care of yourself, Ozz, and health should come first. We understand. Take as much time as you need. Another admirer added: “Please don’t apologize Ozzy, get well.”
Ozzy revealed to People last year during the promotion of his 13th solo studio album, Patient 9, his dedication to performing live once more.
At the time, he declared, “I am determined to get back on stage even if I have to be nailed to a board and wheeled on,” adding, “Survival is my legacy.”
He said that his previous health problems “truly messed me up,” and said, “I’ve never been this laid up… He said he wasn’t going to retire any time soon: “I can’t understand my luck.”
“I belong there,” you say. The biggest love affair of my life is the one I have with my audience, he declared.