Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath vocalist, has recently made headlines not for his music, but for addressing a bizarre death hoax.
At 75 years old, Osbourne, also known as the Prince of Darkness, took to the latest episode of The Osbournes podcast to clarify his status in no uncertain terms, declaring, “I’m not dead,” and emphasizing his ongoing plans to perform live.
The rumor, which gained traction through viral internet videos, falsely claimed that Osbourne had passed away. One particular video on YouTube, featuring a segment titled ‘Celebrities Who Have Died Today,’ showed Osbourne’s picture, sparking widespread speculation.
In response, Osbourne, known for his straight-talking style, refuted these claims, humorously referencing a quote from Monty Python, “Just a little flesh wound.”
His family members also commented on the situation. Daughter Kelly Osbourne labeled the rumors as “really rude,” while his wife, Sharon Osbourne, criticized the creators of the hoax for their actions. Ozzy’s son, Jack Osbourne, humorously suggested a Viking-style send-off for his father, highlighting the family’s ability to find humor amidst the controversy.
Beyond the immediate issue of the death hoax, Ozzy Osbourne has faced significant health challenges in recent years. In February, he announced the cancellation of all his upcoming performances, and his decision to quit touring, as a result of a spinal injury. This decision was shared on Instagram, where Osbourne described it as one of the hardest announcements he’s had to make.
Osbourne’s health issues began with a fall in 2019, which aggravated injuries sustained 16 years earlier in an ATV accident. The fall resulted in multiple surgeries and a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Despite these setbacks, Osbourne told Rolling Stone UK that he hopes to perform again, taking his situation one day at a time. He expressed a mixture of frustration and acceptance about the end of his touring career, noting the emotional impact of this transition.
These recent health developments have led to speculation about Osbourne’s ability to return to the stage. However, he remains optimistic about his future in music. In a statement, Osbourne shared his intent to produce another album and possibly perform live again, emphasizing his ongoing dedication to his craft and his fans.