Ozzy Osbourne was forced to drop out of an appearance at a monster movie convention in Arizona next on doctor’s orders.
Osbourne’s wife/manager Sharon Osbourne broke the news in a video statement shared on social media earlier this week. She didn’t offer any specific reason for the cancellation, saying only that Osbourne was “unable to travel at this time.”
Sean Clark, who owns the convention booking agency Convention All Stars, added: “Ozzy really, really wanted to attend Mad Monster Party in AZ next month but unfortunately his doctor said he has to sit this one out. Let’s all wish Ozzy the best and a speedy recovery.”
Osbourne has battled a variety of health issues over the past few years, including a staph infection that forced him off the road in 2018, and then a 2019 fall that aggravated a spinal injury he sustained in 2003. Since that fall, Osbourne has undergone four spinal surgeries to address his pain problems (including a recent one that also uncovered a tumor
The entire Osbourne family was set to appear at the Mad Monster Party, taking place July 12 through 14 in Phoenix. In her statement, Sharon said their son, Jack, would still be on-hand “flying the flag for the Osbournes.” And Clark added, “Jack will be bringing pre-signed items to be sold at the show for those wanting to get something signed by Ozzy or the family.”
Sharon also said that those that purchased an Osbournes-specific package for the festival would receive refunds. “We would like to thank you all for your constant support with Ozzy — it means so much to him, you have no idea,” Sharon said. “And all I can do is apologize that we won’t be there and I’m apologizing for people we’ve let down.”
Amidst his health battles, Osbourne has made several attempts to return to the stage, but all have fallen short. In an interview with Rolling Stone UK last year, the musician bluntly stated that he may never perform live again: “I’m not going to get up there and do a half-hearted Ozzy looking for sympathy. What’s the fucking point in that? I’m not going up there in a fucking wheelchair.”
Earlier this year, Osbourne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist (he was inducted as a member of Black Sabbath back in 2006). Speaking with Rolling Stone after receiving the honor, Osbourne said he was “happy” he was “alive to see all this,” and said he planned to attend the induction ceremony in October. As to whether he’d make a speech, Osbourne quipped: “I’m not good at making speeches. I don’t like making speeches. I end up mumbling [laughs]. I’ll try. I can only try. Bob Dylan don’t like making speeches either.”