Ozzy Osbourne's two decade health battle: From rocker's secret Parkinson's diagnosis which he revealed five years ago to multiple surgeries before his death aged 76

Daily Mail​

22-07-2025

had been battling ill-health for over 20 years before his sad death on Tuesday aged 76.
The Black Sabbath legend had been suffering from Parkinson's disease since 2003 and had undergone seven surgeries in the past five years, including a fourth spinal surgery in September 2023.
His health battle began more than two decade ago years ago, when in 2003, he broke his neck after falling off a quad bike leading to some extensive back surgery and metal rods being put down his spine.
The British musician was diagnosed with a mild form of Parkinson's disease in 2003, however he only went public with the condition in 2020.
In 2020, the singer shared in an interview with Good Morning America alongside his wife Sharon his diagnosis.
He shared: 'I had to have surgery on my neck which screwed all my nerves. I found out that I have a mild form of..." Struggling to finish the sentence Sharon stepped in: 'It's Parkin two which is a form of Parkinson's.'
She added: 'There are so many different types of Parkinson's. It's not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination but it does affect the nerves in your body. It's like you'll have a good day, then a good day, and then a really bad day.'
However, Ozzy previously said that his biggest struggles were due to a fall which he suffered in 2019 which caused metal rods in his back to dislodge.
The rods had been put there following a quad bike accident at his Buckinghamshire home in 2003.
He told Rolling Stone UK magazine: 'The second surgery went drastically wrong and virtually left me crippled.
'I thought I'd be up and running after the second and third, but with the last one they put a f*ing rod in my spine.
'They found a tumour in one of the vertebrae, so they had to dig all that out too. It's pretty rough, man, and my balance is all f*ed up.'
In February 2019, Sharon revealed he had been admitted to hospital after suffering from flu and had experienced 'complications' from the illness.
Sharon tweeted: 'As some of you may have heard, Ozzy was admitted to hospital following some complications from the flu. His doctors feel this is the best way to get him on a quicker road to recovery. Thanks to everyone for their concern and love.'
The illness led to him cancelling a string of tour dates while he recovered, including postponing the UK and European legs of his No More Tours 2.
Ahead of his final live performance in July 2025, which was a benefit concert in Birmingham, Ozzy gave an update on his health status and state of mind.
Speaking on SiriusXM's Ozzy's Boneyard, he said: 'You know what, I go on about the way I can't walk and I can't do this, but you know what I was thinking over the holidays? For all of my complaining, I'm still alive.'
He continued: 'I may be moaning about how I can't walk as well but as I look down the road, there's people that didn't do half as much as me, and they didn't make it.'
'I'm trying to get back on my feet.'
Host Billy Morrison added: 'Ozzy, you are so much better than you were just a year ago.'
He replied: 'Yeah, but the recovery is very slow. That f***ing surgeon. Plus the Parkinson's. When you get up in the morning, you just jump outta bed. Oh I have to balance myself, you know? But you know, I'm not dead, as you say. I'm still actively doing things.'
Also ahead of the gig, Ozzy's wife Sharon revealed: 'Ozzy's working with his therapist every single day. He's doing really well, actually. Ozzy's number one thing in life is his fans, so he's working hard to be ready for them, to make this show the perfect way to end things.'
Last year, Ozzy was not well enough to perform at the band's Rock'N'Roll Hall of Fame induction in America.
At the Back To The Beginning show, Ozzy performed on a black throne as he was unable to stand.
Ozzy, who has undergone multiple back and neck surgeries, moved in a specialist rehab therapist in Los Angeles to try to help him stand for several minutes on stage, walk more freely and feel better balanced.
He had also been a firm supporter of the health service, following being treated by NHS staff in 2003 after his near-fatal accident left him with a fractured neck vertebra, fractured ribs and a broken collarbone.
Despite his setbacks, and his worsening condition, Sharon claimed his voice was as good as ever before his final ever gig.
Speaking to The Sun she added: 'He's very happy to be coming back and very emotional about this. Parkinson's is a progressive disease.
'It's not something you can stabilize. It affects different parts of the body, and it's affected his legs. But his voice is as good as it's ever been.'
Ozzy passed away on Tuesday (22.07.25), just weeks after he took to the stage for a final performance with his band in Villa Park, Birmingham.
The Osbourne family said in a statement: 'It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.
'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.
'Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.'
Ozzy was born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, and dropped out of school at the age of 15.
After serving two months in prison for burglary, he decided to pursue his love of music and by 1970 Black Sabbath had gained a huge following in the US and UK with the release of their first album.
Ozzy quit the band in 1978 and divorced his first wife Thelma Mayfair, who he had two children with, four years later, amid his ongoing substance abuse problems.
He went on to marry second wife Sharon Osbourne, who helped him transform into a successful solo artist and the couple had three children together.
Ozzy gained a whole new audience of fans with the family's reality TV show The Osbournes in 2001.
He is survived by his wife Sharon and his five children, Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly and Jack.
WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, according to the NHS website.
What are the symptoms?
The NHS says there are three major symptoms, including tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.
Other symptoms include problems with balance, loss of smell, nerve pain, excessive sweating and dizziness.
Some people can also experience lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing, causing malnutrition and dehydration.
What are the early signs?
Symptoms can start gradually, sometimes beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in just one part of the body.
In the early stages, people may show little or no expression, and their arms may not swing when they walk.
Speech can also become soft or slurred, with the condition worsening over time.
What are the causes?
Some scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause of Parkinson's disease.
It occurs after a person experiences loss of nerve cells in a part of their brain.
However, it is not known why the loss of nerve cells associated with the condition takes place but research is ongoing to identify potential causes.
Scientists say genetics factor can increase a person's risk of developing the disease, and can therefore run in families.
Other factors attributed to causing the condition include environmental problems such as pollution, though such links are inconclusive, the NHS says.
How is it diagnosed?
No tests can conclusively show if a person has the disease, but doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms, medical history and a physical examination.
A specialist will ask the person to write or draw, walk or speak to check for any common signs of the condition.
They may even check for difficulty making facial expressions and slowness of limb movement.
How many people are affected?
Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson's disease in the UK, according to the charity Parkinson's UK.
What happens if someone is diagnosed?
According to the charity, it is a legal requirement to contact the DVLA, as a diagnosed person will need to have a medical or driving assessment.
The organisation also advises people to contact any insurance providers and find out about financial support available.
People are also encouraged to partake in more exercise.
Can it be treated?
Although there is no cure, a number of treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms.
The main remedies include medication, exercise, therapy and surgery, which can help people in different ways.
What medication is available and what are the side effects?
Medication can be helpful in improving the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as shaking and movement problems.
There are three main types which are commonly used, levodopa, dopamine agonist or a MAO-B inhibitor. Each can affect people in different ways.
The drugs do have some side effects, including impulsive and compulsive behaviour, hallucinations, sleep issues and blood pressure changes.
What therapy is available?
There are several therapies available to those with Parkinson's through the NHS.
Among them are physiotherapy to reduce muscle stiffness, occupational therapy to help with completing day-to-day tasks and speech and language coaching.
Does this change the way you live?
Most people's life expectancy will not change a great deal, though more advanced symptoms can lead to increased disability and poor health.
It can also cause some cognitive issues and changes to mood and mental health.
Those with Parkinson's are encouraged to exercise more often, with scientists saying 2.5 hours of exercise a week is enough to slow the progression of symptoms.