Last night (October 15), Ozzy Osbourne issued a surprising press release which said that, on the advice of his personal physician, he has postponed his upcoming European tour, which was set to begin in Dublin on October 22. Ozzy said, “I have been in Boston for the last three weeks having medical tests for a tremor which has become markedly worse over the last two years. I was at the point where it felt as if this problem was practically destroying my life along with my self-esteem. I was no longer comfortable being around people, which, as you can imagine, is not the best trait for a performer. I am grateful to my physician, Dr. Allan H. Ropper, that I am now home with my family and on the path to getting my life back.”
In the press release, Dr. Ropper, who is the Chief Of Neurology at Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center and who is the chairman of the neurology department at Tufts University in Boston, explained the nature of Ozzy’s medical problem and why he recommended that the tour be canceled. The doctor said, “Ozzy Osbourne does not have Parkinson’s Disease. However, he does have a tremor, which is coming under control with medication. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of the medication is dry mouth, which greatly impairs the voice. This problem usually subsides after three to four weeks, but the downside is that this will definitely affect Mr. Osbourne’s ability to sing at this time.”
Because of scheduling conflicts at the venues Ozzy was booked to play, it doesn’t look likely that Ozzy’s European tour can be rescheduled until January.
The press release closed with this final statement from Ozzy to his fans: “I feel like I keep letting you all down, which breaks my heart, but you have my word that I will be over in the new year to complete my European tour. I ask that you please hang in there with me as I promise that you will definitely get the best Ozzy Osbourne show you’ve ever seen!”
In addition, Ozzy Osbourne will not perform as announced at a fundraiser Wednesday (October 15) at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall, called Fashion Rocks For The Prince’s Trust. Ozzy cited other commitments in America as the reason for his cancellation, although he did donate $50,000 in lieu of making an appearance. Actors Dennis Leary and Elizabeth Hurley are hosting the event, which will combine a fashion show with musical performances by artists such as Beyonce, Sheryl Crow, Bryan Adams, Bryan Ferry, and Robbie Williams. All proceeds go to the Prince’s Trust, England’s leading charity for young people.
A Prince’s Trust insider told England’s Mirror.co.uk, “We couldn’t believe it when we opened the envelope. As well as writing a $50,000 check, [Ozzy] also sent a lovely, heartfelt letter…He was full of apologies and offered to help in any way he can in the future. We’re absolutely flabbergasted, it’s so generous.”