What happened to Ozzy Osbourne?

What happened to Ozzy Osbourne?

The “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne, has been a monumental figure in the world of rock and metal for over five decades. His electrifying stage presence and iconic voice have captivated generations of fans. However, in recent years, headlines have shifted from his rock and roll escapades to his ongoing health battles. This has left many wondering, “What happened to Ozzy Osbourne?”

A Battle with Parkinson’s and a Series of Setbacks

For those with a short attention span, here’s a quick rundown of the key events in Ozzy’s recent life:

• Parkinson’s Diagnosis: In January 2020, Ozzy publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.[1][2] His wife, Sharon, clarified that it’s a specific type called Parkin 2, which is genetic.[2] While not a death sentence, she explained that it is a progressive disease.[1]
• A Major Fall and its Consequences: A significant turning point in Ozzy’s health struggles was a fall at his home in 2019.[3] This incident aggravated old injuries from a 2003 quad bike accident, leading to multiple neck and spine surgeries.[1][3] One of these surgeries went “drastically wrong,” leaving him with significant nerve damage and mobility issues.[1]
• Tour Cancellations: Due to his health, Ozzy had to make the difficult decision to cancel his “No More Tours 2” farewell tour in 2023.[4][5] He stated that he was not “physically capable” of the extensive travel required for a tour.[4]
• Mobility Issues: The progressive nature of Parkinson’s and the complications from his surgeries have severely impacted his mobility.[6][7] In early 2025, his wife Sharon shared that the disease has particularly affected his legs, and he now has difficulty walking.[6][7][8] Ozzy himself has described the feeling as having “bricks tied to them” when he tries to walk.[7][9]
• Final Surgeries: After undergoing his seventh surgery in five years in September 2023, Ozzy declared he would not be having any more operations.[10]

The End of an Era: The Final Performance

Despite these immense challenges, Ozzy’s passion for music and his fans remained undiminished. On July 5, 2025, he gave his final performance with Black Sabbath in their hometown of Birmingham, England.[11][12] The emotional concert, titled “Back to the Beginning,” saw the original Black Sabbath lineup reunite for the first time in 20 years.[11] Due to his health, Ozzy performed while seated on a specially designed throne.[11][12] The event was a testament to his enduring spirit and a poignant farewell to his touring career.

Still Creating: “Patient Number 9” and Beyond

While his touring days are over, Ozzy’s creative fire still burns bright. In September 2022, he released his 13th and final studio album, “Patient Number 9.”[13] The album, produced by Andrew Watt, features an impressive lineup of guest artists and received critical acclaim, even winning a Grammy for Best Rock Album.[13] This demonstrates that even with his physical limitations, his voice and musical artistry remain as powerful as ever.

Looking Ahead

Ozzy Osbourne’s journey has been one of incredible highs and challenging lows. His recent health struggles have undoubtedly altered the course of his career, forcing him to step back from the grueling demands of touring.[4] However, his recent final performance and the success of “Patient Number 9” show that the Prince of Darkness is far from fading away. He continues to engage with his fans through “The Osbournes Podcast” and other projects.[14] While the world may have seen the last of Ozzy on a concert tour, his music and his indomitable spirit will continue to inspire for years to come. He and his wife, Sharon, have also expressed their intention to permanently relocate back to the U.K.[15] As Ozzy himself has said, despite his complaints, he’s “still alive.”