Ozzy Osbourne forced to cancel more live shows

Ozzy Osbourne has had to cancel another round of shows after his recent illness.

The vocalist was admitted to hospital earlier this month due to complications from the flu, which developed into pneumonia.

The illness had already led to the cancellation of the European leg of his No More Tours 2, and today it’s been confirmed that Ozzy’s planned shows in Australia, New Zealand and Japan won’t go ahead either.

Announcing the cancellations, Ozzy’s wife and manager Sharon said: “Ozzy recently developed pneumonia and has spent some time in hospital.

“Thankfully he is now through the worst part. His doctors have advised that he stay at home to recuperate for a full six weeks with no travel.”

Ozzy was due to headline Download Australia, with the festival issuing a statement saying: “Ozzy’s health and wellbeing is number one. We wish Ozzy all the best in his recovery and hope he is back to full health as soon as possible.

“It is impossible to replace Ozzy Osbourne at any time, but three weeks out from Download there is no chance of us securing an act to replace the headline slot.

“We are pleased to announce Aussie hard rock kings, Airbourne will join the Download lineup and thank them for joining us with such short notice.”

Ozzy is expected to reschedule the cancelled European shows in September.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.