Ozzy Osbourne Tour A Retrospective On A Legendary Career And The No More Tours 2

Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself, has captivated audiences for decades with his raw energy, iconic vocals, and undeniable stage presence. From his early days with Black Sabbath to his successful solo career, Ozzy has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and metal music. The No More Tours 2 was initially billed as his farewell to the touring world, a final opportunity for fans to witness the legendary performer live. However, health challenges and other unforeseen circumstances have led to numerous postponements and cancellations, leaving fans wondering about the future of Ozzy's live performances. This comprehensive article delves into the history of the tour, the reasons behind the cancellations, the potential for future shows, and a look back at Ozzy's incredible career.

The Genesis of the No More Tours 2

The No More Tours 2 was announced in 2017, with the initial dates set for 2018 and 2019. The name itself was a playful nod to Ozzy's No More Tours trek in 1992, which at the time was also intended as a farewell to touring. Of course, Ozzy's passion for performing and connecting with his fans proved too strong, and he returned to the stage several times in the years that followed. This time, however, the tour felt different. Ozzy was in his late 60s when the No More Tours 2 was announced, and the physical demands of touring were becoming increasingly challenging.

The tour was designed to be a celebration of Ozzy's illustrious career, featuring a setlist packed with classic Black Sabbath anthems and solo hits. Joining Ozzy on stage were longtime band members Zakk Wylde on guitar, Blasko on bass, Tommy Clufetos on drums, and Adam Wakeman on keyboards. The initial dates were met with tremendous enthusiasm, and tickets sold quickly. Fans from around the world eagerly anticipated the chance to see Ozzy perform one last time.

The North American leg of the tour kicked off in April 2018, with support from Stone Sour. The shows were met with rave reviews, with critics and fans alike praising Ozzy's energy and the band's performance. However, the tour was soon hit with its first major setback. In October 2018, Ozzy announced that he would be postponing the remaining dates due to a severe infection in his hand. This was a worrying sign for fans, as it highlighted the physical toll that touring was taking on Ozzy's body.

Health Challenges and Tour Postponements

Unfortunately, the hand infection was just the beginning of a series of health challenges that would plague Ozzy and the No More Tours 2. In early 2019, Ozzy suffered a fall at his home, which aggravated old injuries from a 2003 ATV accident. The fall required surgery, and Ozzy was forced to postpone the entire 2019 leg of the tour. This was a major disappointment for fans who had been eagerly awaiting the rescheduled dates. Ozzy's health became a primary concern, and the future of the tour was thrown into doubt.

As Ozzy recovered from his fall and surgery, he faced further health setbacks. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. This diagnosis was a significant blow, both personally and professionally. Ozzy has been open about his struggles with Parkinson's, and the impact it has had on his life. The challenges of performing live with Parkinson's are considerable, and Ozzy's ability to continue touring was further jeopardized.

Despite these health challenges, Ozzy remained determined to return to the stage. He rescheduled the No More Tours 2 for 2020, with a new set of dates in North America and Europe. However, the COVID-19 pandemic threw another wrench into the plans. The pandemic forced the cancellation of all live music events, and the No More Tours 2 was once again postponed. This was a frustrating situation for everyone involved, but the health and safety of fans and crew had to be the priority.

The tour was rescheduled once again for 2022 and 2023, but unfortunately, further health issues forced Ozzy to cancel the European leg of the tour in early 2023. This announcement was met with widespread sadness and concern from fans. Ozzy released a heartfelt statement explaining his decision, citing the physical demands of touring and the ongoing challenges of his health. He expressed his gratitude to his fans for their support and understanding, and hinted that he may still perform live in the future, but not in the context of a full-scale tour.

A Look Back at Ozzy's Illustrious Career

While the No More Tours 2 may not have reached its intended conclusion, it provides an opportunity to reflect on Ozzy Osbourne's remarkable career. From his early days as the frontman of Black Sabbath to his successful solo career, Ozzy has consistently pushed boundaries and defied expectations. His music has resonated with generations of fans, and his stage presence is legendary.

Black Sabbath: The Birth of Heavy Metal

Ozzy's career began in the late 1960s when he formed Black Sabbath with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Black Sabbath is widely credited with inventing the genre of heavy metal, with their dark, heavy sound and occult-inspired lyrics. Albums such as Black Sabbath, Paranoid, and Master of Reality are considered classics of the genre, and they established Ozzy as a powerful and charismatic frontman. Black Sabbath's music was groundbreaking and influential, paving the way for countless metal bands that followed.

The band's early years were marked by both creative brilliance and personal struggles. The members battled drug and alcohol addiction, and internal conflicts often threatened to derail the band. Despite these challenges, Black Sabbath continued to release influential albums throughout the 1970s, including Vol. 4, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and Sabotage. Ozzy's unique vocal style and stage presence were integral to the band's success, and he became a cultural icon.

Ozzy's tenure with Black Sabbath came to an end in 1979, when he was fired from the band due to his substance abuse issues. This was a difficult time for Ozzy, but it also marked the beginning of his successful solo career. While Black Sabbath continued with different singers, Ozzy's departure marked the end of an era for the band's original lineup.

The Solo Years: A Metal Icon Emerges

After leaving Black Sabbath, Ozzy embarked on a solo career that would solidify his status as a metal icon. He assembled a talented band, including guitarist Randy Rhoads, bassist Bob Daisley, and drummer Lee Kerslake. Their debut album, Blizzard of Ozz, released in 1980, was a massive success. The album featured classic tracks such as "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley," which became staples of rock radio and concert setlists. Blizzard of Ozz established Ozzy as a major solo artist, and it set the stage for a career that would span decades.

The follow-up album, Diary of a Madman, released in 1981, was also a commercial and critical success. However, tragedy struck in 1982 when Randy Rhoads was killed in a plane crash. Rhoads' death was a devastating blow to Ozzy, both personally and professionally. Rhoads' innovative guitar playing had been a key ingredient in Ozzy's solo success, and his loss was deeply felt.

Despite the tragedy, Ozzy persevered and continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s, including Bark at the Moon, The Ultimate Sin, and No Rest for the Wicked. He worked with a series of talented guitarists, including Jake E. Lee and Zakk Wylde, who helped to shape his sound. Ozzy's live shows became legendary for their energy and theatrics, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest performers in rock and metal.

The 1990s saw Ozzy continue to release albums and tour, although his personal struggles with addiction and mental health often made headlines. He reunited with the original lineup of Black Sabbath in 1997, and they embarked on a successful reunion tour. This was a momentous occasion for fans, who had long hoped to see the original members of Black Sabbath share the stage again. The reunion tour was a testament to the enduring legacy of Black Sabbath and the power of their music.

Reality TV and Later Career

In the early 2000s, Ozzy's career took an unexpected turn when he starred in the reality TV show The Osbournes. The show, which followed the lives of Ozzy, his wife Sharon, and their children Kelly and Jack, was a massive hit. The Osbournes introduced Ozzy to a new generation of fans, and it showed a different side of his personality. The show was both humorous and heartwarming, and it helped to humanize Ozzy in the eyes of the public.

Despite his newfound fame as a reality TV star, Ozzy continued to focus on his music career. He released the album Down to Earth in 2001, which was a commercial success. He also continued to tour, both as a solo artist and with Black Sabbath. The band released their final album, 13, in 2013, which was a critical and commercial triumph. Black Sabbath embarked on a farewell tour in 2016 and 2017, bringing their career to a close.

In recent years, Ozzy has faced numerous health challenges, but he has remained determined to continue making music. He released his latest solo album, Ordinary Man, in 2020, which was met with positive reviews. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Elton John, Post Malone, and Travis Scott, showcasing Ozzy's versatility and his continued relevance in the music industry.

The Future of Ozzy's Live Performances

While the No More Tours 2 has been plagued by cancellations and postponements, the question remains: will Ozzy Osbourne ever perform live again? In his statement announcing the cancellation of the European leg of the tour, Ozzy hinted that he may still perform live in the future, but not in the context of a full-scale tour. This suggests that he may consider one-off shows or special appearances, but the physical demands of a lengthy tour are likely too great.

Ozzy's health will be a major factor in any future performances. His struggles with Parkinson's disease and other health issues have made touring increasingly difficult. However, Ozzy's passion for performing and connecting with his fans is undeniable. He has consistently defied expectations throughout his career, and it would not be surprising to see him return to the stage in some capacity.

Another factor to consider is the possibility of technology playing a role in Ozzy's future performances. Virtual concerts and holographic performances have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they could provide a way for Ozzy to connect with his fans without the physical strain of touring. While a virtual performance would not be the same as seeing Ozzy live in person, it could be a viable option for him to continue sharing his music with the world.

Ultimately, the future of Ozzy Osbourne's live performances remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: his legacy as a performer and a musician is secure. Ozzy has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and metal music, and his music will continue to inspire and entertain fans for generations to come.

Conclusion

The No More Tours 2 may not have gone as planned, but it serves as a reminder of Ozzy Osbourne's incredible career and his enduring impact on music. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his successful solo career, Ozzy has consistently defied expectations and pushed boundaries. His health challenges have made touring increasingly difficult, but his passion for performing remains strong. Whether he returns to the stage for one-off shows or explores new ways to connect with his fans through technology, Ozzy's legacy as the Prince of Darkness will endure. His music will continue to inspire and entertain, and his contributions to rock and metal will never be forgotten. The No More Tours 2 may be over, but Ozzy Osbourne's story is far from finished.