In a recent exclusive interview with Rolling Stone UK, the legendary 74-year-old rock star, Ozzy Osbourne, opened up about his reflections on life, facing mortality, and the setbacks resulting from a recent back surgery that revealed a tumor in one of his vertebrae. Despite his tumultuous history of addictions and overdoses, Ozzy expressed gratitude for being alive and marveled at outliving many of his friends.
“I’ve been doing a lot of reflection while I’ve been laid up, and all my drinking partners, I’ve realized they’re all dead,” Ozzy shared candidly. “You’re dead, and you’re dead, and you’re dead.” He acknowledged the fragility of life and admitted that he should have been gone way before many of his companions. Despite not fearing death, Ozzy wishes to avoid a prolonged and painful existence.
Reflecting on his own timeline, Ozzy mentioned, “At best, I’ve got ten years left, and when you’re older, time picks up speed.” He even discussed his father’s battle with cancer, having witnessed his father’s passing firsthand. In light of this, Ozzy revealed, “I like the idea that if you have a terminal illness, you can go to a place in Switzerland and get it done quickly.”
On the topic of his recent spinal surgery, Ozzy disclosed that he underwent a fourth procedure to address complications arising from a fall in 2019. The surgery not only addressed the dislodging of metal rods implanted after a quad bike crash in 2003 but also uncovered a tumor in one of his vertebrae.
Ozzy’s wife, Sharon, spoke about the challenges she has faced watching her husband battle his health issues over the past five years. It has been a prolonged period of heartache for her, but Ozzy, despite enduring physical pain, has not lost his sense of humor.
Looking to the future, Ozzy expressed his frustration at not being able to bid farewell to his fans on stage. “If I can’t continue doing shows on a regular basis, I just want to be well enough to do one show where I can say, ‘Hi guys, thanks so much for my life.’ That’s what I’m working towards, and if I drop down dead at the end of it, I’ll die a happy man.”
As fans anxiously await updates on Ozzy’s health and potential return to the stage, the rock legend isn’t sure whether he will be able to perform again. He is taking it one day at a time and accepting the fact that he may have to bid farewell to the best relationship of his life – performing on stage.
“I’m not going to get up there and do a half-hearted Ozzy looking for sympathy,” he emphasized. “What’s the fcking point in that? I’m not going up there in a fcking wheelchair.” Ozzy mentioned being inspired by Phil Collins, who has similar health problems but continues to perform in a wheelchair. However, he personally wouldn’t feel comfortable doing the same.
As Osbourne navigates these health challenges, his enduring legacy will undoubtedly leave a significant impact on the future of music. His openness about his struggles with addiction, his unmistakable music style, and his larger-than-life persona have made him an icon in the industry. Through his journey, Ozzy shows us the strength and resilience it takes to keep going, even in the face of adversity.
To hear more about Ozzy Osbourne’s journey and his triumph over health struggles, you can check out the video of his interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored.
