The inevitable has happened to Ozzy’s long awaited (and long delayed) ‘No More Tours’ tour.
Let’s commiserate with one another with some classic Ozzy tunes.
Ozzy Tour Bites the Dust
This week, Ozzy Osbourne released the following statement, informing fans that his ‘No More Tours II’ run with Judas Priest was not going to happen.
“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.
“My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back onstage. 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.
“I am honestly humbled by the way you’ve all patiently held onto your tickets for all this time, but in all good conscience, I have now come to the realization that I’m not physically capable of doing my upcoming European/UK tour dates, as I know I couldn’t deal with the travel required. Believe me when I say that the thought of disappointing my fans really F***S ME UP, more than you will ever know.
“Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way. My team is currently coming up with ideas for where I will be able to 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, Judas Priest, and of course, my fans for their endless dedication, loyalty, and support, and for giving me the life that I never ever dreamed I would have.
“I love you all…”
Classic Metal Hawk says ‘Pffffft.’ It’s disappointing, but on the other hand, the announcement had an air of inevitability around it – after all, this leg of the tour was originally supposed to happen in 2019. But Ozzy’s health problems, compounded by all the COVID shutdowns in 2020-1 have meant that rescheduling was never possible, and so father time has had the last word as always.
Judas Priest sent their love and support in a statement of their won, and will look at other options.
Mind you, that last paragraph of Ozzy’s has a weird ring to it, no? Thanks for giving me the life that I never dreamed I would have. It has somewhat of a deathbed ring to it. Hopefully The Hawk is reading too much into that.
Anyway, good luck and best wishes to Ozzy. It’s true that stars who made their names in the Classic Heavy Metal era are starting to get older, just like us fans, so The Hawk will no doubt be the bearer of similar news in future. Hopefully not too quickly though.
Let us reflect and listen tearily to the song that the tour and its predecessor were named for.
Update
Not surprisingly, since Ozzy made his unfortunate announcement, many legends from the world of Classic Heavy Metal have weighed in to pay their respects, and share their own Ozzy memories. To take just a couple of examples, ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy posted on Instagram about travelling on the Bullet Train with Ozzy, whilst Portnoy’s Avenged Sevenfold was supporting him in Japan. They had a private car together which must have made for an interesting trip. Portnoy writes that ‘It was too irresistible to not get a photo with Ozzy on a (Crazy) Train! In any case, if Ozzy’s retirement does stick, thank you for so many decades of memorable performances.’
Or this from long time Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde on Twitter:
(Zakk is a long-time admirer of Ozzy’s resilience, as Classic Metal Hawk has covered before.)
Meanwhile, the New York Post has carried a picture of Ozzy out and about since his announcement, but walking gingerly with the help of a cane. So the cancellation seemingly the right decision at this moment in time.
But that’s enough for now – The Hawk’s finding some of this a bit too much like an obituary, and Ozzy is still going yet. Maybe he’ll still surprise us – after all that’s gone before, it wouldn’t be any surprise.
Here’s some more sad Ozzy. Just because.
Have we all seen the last of Ozzy on tour? Or will he surprise us with another valiant comeback? If this is really the end, how would you pay tribute to Ozzy – surely one of the all time Gods of Classic Heavy Metal?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send feedback direct to The Hawk.
