The rock legend Ozzy Osbourne recently joined Kerrang’s Sam Law to discuss his health, upcoming projects, and how determined he is to perform on the stage once again.
During the past few years, the Prince of Darkness has mainly been featured in the headlines for his deteriorating health. His fragile neck, which he had broken in 2003 in a quad bike accident, was heavily injured again in 2019 after a fall in his bathroom. In addition, Sharon Osbourne revealed that Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020.
His exacerbating health resulted in the musician undergoing two rounds of surgeries, one of which Sharon Osbourne disclosed had played a vital role in Ozzy’s future. His fans started worrying about not watching him perform again after hearing the news that Ozzy couldn’t walk without the constant need for a cane. Of course, being the limit-pushing musician he is, Osbourne was back on stage with Tony Iommi to perform ‘Paranoid’ at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony on August 8.
During the interview, Osbourne admitted that he wasn’t sure how to respond when Sharon got the call inviting him to perform alongside Iommi. The singer knew he wanted to be back on stage but was also aware of his condition. He could barely walk due to Parkinson’s. Regardless, he took the opportunity, and the performance resurfaced something in him; a desire that was never lost even after many depressive periods and the harsh reality. He wanted to sing and perform live for his audience.
He explained:
“I am going to put 110% into getting myself out there. Time is my most valuable asset now. I’m 73. I don’t think that I’ll be here in another 25 years. I’ve got a goal: the goal is to get back onstage. I had my last surgery in June, and I can’t have any more.
So whatever I make of it is entirely up to me now. Even if I manage one show, then fall over, [I’ll have done it]. But I know that I’m going to carry on. I know I can beat it. I know that I can get back onstage. It’s just that I’ve got to get off my butt and go for it.”
With a promise to be back on stage, Osbourne’s latest album ‘Patient Number 9’ will be released on September 9, 2022. The Prince of Darkness also appeared as the special halftime performer for the Los Angeles vs. Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on September 8.
