Ozzy Osbourne vows to 'get back on stage' after announcing his forced retirement
Ozzy Osbourne has insisted he will "get back on stage as soon as possible" after cancelling his UK and Europe shows and announcing his retirement from touring.
The Black Sabbath star, 74, recently had extensive spinal surgery following a fall at his home in 2019 and has cancelled his upcoming tour while he recovers.
Ozzy, who also has Parkinson's disease, admitted he is "not physically capable" of performing currently.
In his first interview since his announcement, the music icon shared his sadness at being forced to retire but vowed to return to the stage one day.
"My fans. That's the thing that I really miss about not doing gigs.
Ozzy Osbourne forced into retirement as he cancels tour in heartbreaking update"I'm a hands-on guy. I like talking to my fans. I miss them terribly. My goal is to get back on stage as soon as possible," he told Billboard.
Elsewhere in the interview, Ozzy hinted that his children might follow him and his wife Sharon Osbourne when they move back to the UK.
"Our kids are over here [in America] at the moment, but it wouldn't surprise me if they follow us back at some point," he said.
Ozzy had been due to kick off his tour European tour in May after it had already been rescheduled three times.
It has now officially been cancelled along with any other dates in the future.
In a heart-breaking Instagram post, Ozzy said it was "one of the hardest" decisions he has ever had to make and admitted he "never would have imagined that [his] touring days would have ended this way.
Explaining that his body is "still physically weak", the musician shared his despair at "disappointing" fans.
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.
"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.
Frail Ozzy Osbourne flashes peace sign in first sighting after forced retirement"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."
He 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..."