‘If it's end of the road, I can't complain' How hard-living rocker Ozzy Osbourne had no regrets amid health battles

The Sun

22-07-2025

FROM a horror quad bike crash to his Parkinson's diagnosis, Ozzy Osbourne has battled with his health through the years.
The legendary Black Sabbath singer, known as the "Prince of Darkness," tragically died at the age of 76 on Tuesday.
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The star broke his neck in a 2003 quad bike accident, underwent a rigorous recovery for addiction and was later diagnosed with a form of Parkinson's.
He's had to undergo numerous ­surgeries and endure endless hours of physio.
Quad bike crash
The rock-n-roll star was seriously injured in a quad bike accident at his Buckinghamshire estate in 2003.
The then 55-year-old broke his collarbone and six ribs, with surgeons at the time needing to stem bleeding to his lungs.
The horror crash happened on a day off from promoting the release of a duet with his daughter Kelly.
A fall from a toilet in 2019 later dislodged the metal rods in his back from the quad bike crash.
'I fell over and I landed wrong,' Ozzy later said.
'I went to the doctor's and you assume everybody knows what they're doing.
"My son Jack has a video of me going into surgery, ­saying, 'I'll see you in a few minutes'.
"I haven't walked properly since.'
Ozzy Osbourne takes to stage for final time with Black Sabbath band mates in front of delighted rock fans
In 2023, the rock legend said a fourth op was the last one he believed his body could handle.
He said: 'It's going to be the final surgery, because I can't do it any more.
'Regardless of the way it ends up, I can't.'
He added: 'I walked upstairs today for the first time in a while, and my feet feel like I've got diving boots on.'
Ozzy's family statement
BLACK Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76.
A statement from his family said: "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."
Speaking to the Guardian earlier this year, Ozzy said: 'You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong.
"You begin to think this is never going to end.'
Ozzy believed too much blame for his predicament was placed on his Parkinson's diagnosis.
He said: 'I mean, when I came off the quad bike in 2003, I still did tours and I had Parkinson's back then. It was THAT f***ing surgery.'
Parkinson's battle
Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease back in 2019 and went public with his diagnosis the following year.
As well as mobility issues, the condition caused him to suffer nerve pain, depression and blood clots.
He revealed the sad news in an emotional joint interview with wife Sharon.
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The singer told Good Morning America that he couldn't hide his health struggles any longer.
Explaining the condition, Sharon said: "It's Parkin 2 which is a form of Parkinson's. 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."
Ozzy added at the time: "A year ago I was in a terrible state. I'm on a host of medication, mainly for the surgery.
"I've got numbness down this arm and my legs are going cold. I don't know if it's the Parkinson's or what. That's the problem."
Parkin 2 cannot be cured, but treatments are available to minimise symptoms — although it is steadily degenerative.
Experts say the variety Ozzy had is one of the slowest developing types — but the long-term prognosis varies significantly between cases.
Battle with pneumonia
Ozzy was forced to axe tour dates in 2019 during a battle with pneumonia.
The rock star, who was due to play in Sydney, Melbourne, Christchurch, Auckland and China at the time, was told he needed to recuperate for six weeks.
His wife Sharon wrote on social media following the gigs: "Ozzy recently developed pneumonia & has spent some time in hospital.
"He is through the worst part. His doctors have advised that he stay at home to recuperate for full six weeks."
Learning difficulties
The star has also spoken openly about his struggles with dyslexia and ADHD.
Speaking to GQ magazine in 2019, Ozzy said: "With my recovery programme, I have to do a daily inventory of how my day has been.
"I am terribly dyslexic and have attention deficit disorder, so I have to carry a tape recorder everywhere I go.
"Also, if I get a melody in my head, I have to record it straight away.
"There are times when I lie in bed at night and I go, 'F***ing hell, that's a great melody.'
"I can hear the finished thing in my head. I hear concertos, f***ing violins and everything!"
Drugs & addiction
During his life, Ozzy spoke openly about his battle with addiction.
The rock legend's battle with alcoholism and drug addiction began in the 1970s.
He has also spoken about his sobriety journey but admitted he's "not completely sober" in 2024.
Ozzy had long given up alcohol and said: 'My tolerance has gone, I'm glad to say, because when I start drinking I start looking for drugs.
"Sharon had good training in dealing with chaos!'
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