Thursday, February 2, 2023

Zakk Wylde supports Ozzy Osbourne following retirement news

Zakk Wylde is sharing a message of support to Ozzy Osbourne following the singer’s announcement this week that he has retired from touring due to a number of ongoing health issues.

Osbourne’s longtime guitarist was set to join him for dates on a 2023 European tour that was to begin in May after it had originally been scheduled for early 2019 and rebooked multiple times; the series has now been cancelled.

"Oz – keep hitting the iron, staying strong & positive,” writes Wylde on social media. “Everybody is praying & rooting for you – your strength, resilience & heart of a lion is just one of the many reasons you're a hero to me & millions around the world – when you are ready to roll – we roll. I love you Oz. Zakk XOXO."

As part of his announcement, Ozzy credited a series of setbacks – including a “major accident” at home in 2019 that damaged his spine – and a number of follow-up operations and treatments in an attempt to return him to healthy status as the main reason his body “is still physically weak.”

Despite the news, the 74-year-old rocker hasn’t entirely ruled out performing in the future.

“My team is currently coming up with ideas for where I will be able to perform without having to travel from city to city and country to country,” said Ozzy.

This weekend, Ozzy is nominated for four 2023 Grammy Awards for his latest album, “Patient Number 9”; the event will be broadcast live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 5 starting at 8 pm ET on the CBS Network and streamed live and on-demand on Paramount+.

Get your copy of “Patient Number 9” here. See also:

Ozzy Osbourne announces retirement from touring
Ozzy Osbourne stars in Workday Super Bowl commercial preview
Ozzy Osbourne shares Patient Number 9 storyboard video
Ozzy Osbourne scores four Grammy nominations with Patient Number 9
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