The health issues of heavy metal forefather Ozzy Osbourne have been well documented in recent years.
Earlier this year, the Power Trip festival, set for Oct. 6 to 8 in Indio, California, revealed a massive lineup that included AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Tool and Ozzy.
Unfortunately, Ozzy has announced he won’t be ready to perform by then.
“As painful as this is, I’ve had to make the decision to bow out of performing on Power Trip in October,” Ozzy said in a statement.
“My original plan was to return to the stage in the summer of 2024, and when the offer to do this show came in, I optimistically moved forward. 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-*ssed.”
“The band that will be replacing me on Power Trip will be announced shortly. They are personal friends of mine and I can promise that you will not be disappointed. Above all, I want to thank my fans, my band, and my crew for their unconditional loyalty and continual support. I love you all and I will see you soon.”
“God Bless, Ozzy”.
Ozzy was going to open for AC/DC on the Saturday of the event, and previously it sounded like he was going to go to any lengths to get back on stage including performing in a chair if need be.
Ozzy himself also confirmed he has no plans to call it a career in an interview earlier this year with Metal Hammer that was conducted by Tenacious D’s Jack Black and Kyle Gass.
“I remember some good gigs and I’ve done my fair share of f*cking bad gigs,” the 74-year-old Osbourne said.
“A guitar player can change his guitar. A drummer can change the drum. If my voice goes, I’m f*cked. One time I was at a gig at Nassau Coliseum in New York. On the way to the gig, my voice went out. The kids were already there and I thought, ‘What the f*ck am I gonna do now?’ I went out and tried to sing and they gave me a standing ovation. The kids would rather see you being bad than go home.”
“I mean, doing a live show is what I live for. I’ve had to cancel my European tour but I’m determined. I’ve gotta do more gigs if I have to get someone to wheel me out there.”
