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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katie Wilson

Ozzy Osbourne vows to play more shows 'even if he has to be wheeled on stage'

Ozzy Osbourne has vowed to play more shows – even if he has to be wheeled on stage.

The Black Sabbath rocker announced his retirement earlier this year following a string of health issues.

He was forced to cancel his UK and Europe tour after saying that he is 'not physically capable' of performing any more.

The 74-year-old recently had extensive spinal surgery following a fall at his home in 2019, which had further aggravated injuries from a near-fatal quad bike crash in 2003.

In 2020, the rock legend also revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which can cause slowed movements and difficulties with walking and talking.

Ozzy Osbourne has vowed to get back on stage even if he's 'wheeled on' (Getty Images)

But Ozzy, who has been pictured walking without his cane in recent weeks, isn’t done just yet.

In a chat with Tenacious D stars Jack Black and Kyle Gass for Metal Hammer, he teased he would get back on stage at some point.

“I mean, doing a live show is what I live for. I’ve had to cancel my European tour but I’m determined,” Ozzy shared.

“I’ve got to do more gigs, even if I have to get someone to wheel me out there. I mean, you can’t retire from this game. It’s not a job, it’s a f***ing passion.

“The thought of sitting in my house all day...I’m a road dog, you know. I’ve been doing it f***ing 55 years. It’s the best thing to have ever happened to me.”

Ozzy has been a rocker for 55 years and has no plans to stop now (Getty Images)

Ozzy was heartbroken when he had to cancel his upcoming tour earlier this year due to his ongoing health issues.

Announcing the news to fans, the Paranoid singer said it was "probably one of the hardest things” he's ever had to do.

He told fans he "never would have imagined that [his] touring days would have ended this way".

Explaining that his body is "still physically weak", Ozzy shared his despair at "disappointing" fans.

In a statement released in February this year, he wrote: "This is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to share with my loyal fans. As you may know, four years ago this month, I had a major accident, where I damaged my spine."

Ozzy with wife Sharon, who has been caring for him as he battles various health issues (Getty Images)

He continued: "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.

"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 realisation 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.”

The rock legend added: "Never would I have imagined 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 dreamed that I would have. I love you all..."

But Ozzy has definitely been looking better in recent weeks, so fans might not have that long to wait to see him back on stage again.

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