The Godfather of Metal, Ozzy Osbourne, has lived a life as tumultuous as his music is legendary. Now 76, the Black Sabbath icon has opened up about the devastating toll decades of health struggles have taken on his body, admitting, “I’m nearly f***ing dead!” Despite his humor and determination, the rock legend faces what might be his hardest battle yet.
A Life Plagued by Accidents and Illness
Ozzy’s health troubles began long before his recent struggles. A terrifying quad-bike accident in 2003 nearly cost him his life, leaving him with a fractured neck vertebrae, broken collarbone, and six damaged ribs. The crash also caused his heart to stop temporarily before he was revived by a quick-thinking security guard.
Years later, in 2019, a fall at his Los Angeles home exacerbated the injuries from the quad-bike crash. Metal rods that had been placed in his neck became dislodged, leading to a series of spinal surgeries that Ozzy says have left him physically crippled.
“The second surgery went drastically wrong,” he revealed. “They put a f***ing rod in my spine, and I’ve never walked properly since.” In addition, doctors found a tumor in one of his vertebrae, which required further invasive procedures.
The Parkinson’s Battle
In 2020, Ozzy announced publicly that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder he had been living with since 2019. The diagnosis was a grim addition to his list of ailments, which include severe nerve pain and balance issues.
He described 2019 as one of his “most painful and miserable” years, saying the combination of surgeries, nerve damage, and Parkinson’s left him emotionally and physically drained.
A Farewell to Touring
In February 2023, Ozzy announced his retirement from touring, a decision he called “one of the hardest” of his life. “I’m not physically capable of doing it anymore,” he said, citing the toll his health issues have taken.
Ozzy reflected on the difficulties of stepping away from his passion: “I thought I’d be up and running after the surgeries, but I’m far from it. It’s rough, man.”
A Grim Outlook, but Unyielding Spirit
Despite his struggles, Ozzy remains defiant in the face of adversity. He candidly acknowledged his mortality in a recent interview, joking with wife Sharon about her concern for his health: “I said, ‘How long do you want me to f***ing live for?!’”
Ozzy estimates he has “10 more years at best” but is determined to continue making music. He recently celebrated a major milestone by being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and maintains a deep connection to his fans.
Legacy of Resilience
From revolutionizing heavy metal to surviving against all odds, Ozzy Osbourne’s story is a testament to resilience and an indomitable spirit. His health battles may have slowed him down, but the Prince of Darkness refuses to fade quietly into the night.
