Ozzy Osbourne has announced that he is to retire from touring and cancel the rest of his UK dates as he is too “psychically weak” to perform.
The legendary Birmingham-born rockstar was due to stop off at the AO Arena here in Manchester this summer on 7 June as part of the ‘No More Tours 2’ tour – which had been rescheduled several times since 2020 – but the former Black Sabbath frontman shared with his loyal fans this morning that he is having to cancel all upcoming shows due to deteriorating health.
The 74-year-old was notably diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease back in 2003, but didn’t announce this publicly until 2020, and also suffered a fall at his Los Angeles home in August 2019, which required him to undergo neck surgery.
Ozzy said in a statement shared to social media this morning that retiring from touring is “probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share”.
“Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way,” he added.
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In the statement, Ozzy told fans: “As you may know, four years ago, this month, I had a major accident, where I damaged my spine.
“My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage. My singing voice is fine. However, after three operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions, and most recently groundbreaking Cybernics (HAL) Treatment, my body is still physically weak.
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“I am honestly humbled by the way you’ve all patiently held onto your tickets for all this time, but in all good conscience, I have now come to the realisation that I’m not physically capable of doing my upcoming European/UK tour dates, as I know I couldn’t deal with the travel required.
“Believe me when I say that the thought of disappointing my fans really F***S ME UP, more than you will ever know.”
Ozzy Osbourne cancels Manchester show and rest of UK tour as he’s too ‘weak’ to perform / Credit: Flickr
The musician added that he “never would have imagined” his touring days would end in this way, and that his team is “currently coming up with ideas for where I will be able to perform without having to travel from city to city and country to country”.
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Ozzy closed out his statement by thanking his family, band, crew, and longtime friends.
He also thanks his fans for their “endless dedication, loyalty, and support, and for giving me the life that I never ever dreamed I would have”.
This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans… pic.twitter.com/aXGw3fjImo
The ‘No More Tours 2’ UK and European shows were postponed on several occasions due to Ozzy’s poor health and the COVID-19 pandemic, before they were eventually rescheduled for May and June 2023.
He was due to perform shows in Nottingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, Dublin, London, and Birmingham, as well as Manchester, all of which have been cancelled.
All ticket refunds are available at point of purchase.
Featured Image – Ozzy Osbourne (via Facebook)
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Daughter pays heartbreaking tribute to dad at centre of Salford murder investigation
Daisy Jackson
The daughter of a man who died in Salford last week has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ‘beloved dad’, who is now at the centre of a murder investigation.
44-year-old Mohamed Omar was found at an address after officers were called to Great Clowes Street at round 7.50pm on Tuesday 6 October.
He was unresponsive at the time officers arrived, and despite the efforts of emergency services and medical professionals, died a short while later.
Five men, aged between 24 and 35-years-old, were arrested on suspicion of murder and have since been bailed while enquiries continue.
Now, Mohamed’s daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her father, describing him as someone who could ‘light up a room’.
She said: “To my beloved Dad. You were loved so much, not just by me, but by everyone you crossed paths with.
“You worked so hard throughout your life, always giving so much of yourself to the people around you. You had an energy that could light up a room, and no matter what, you could always make someone laugh.
“No one deserves to have their life taken. You were taken from us far too soon, and it hurts knowing there was still so much more for us both to experience together. You have left a mark on us all, and it still feels surreal knowing you are gone. I wish we had more time together.
“I hope you are in a better place, resting peacefully with Nanna and Grandad. I hope you know how much I love you and that I always will. You will live in my heart forever. Until we meet again, Dad. From your daughter, Layla.”
Also paying tribute is one of Mohamed’s friends, who said: “I still can’t believe you’ve been taken from us. I never imagined I would have to face a world without you in it. You weren’t just my best friend; you were family, someone who held a special place in my heart that nobody could ever replace.
“My heart is broken knowing that you’re no longer here with us. There are so many things I wish I could say to you, so many memories I wish we could make, and so many moments I wish I could have back.
“You didn’t deserve what happened to you. I will carry your memory with me for the rest of my life, and no matter how much time passes, you will never be forgotten.
“Rest peacefully, my best friend. Until we meet again, you will forever have a place in my heart. I love you always, and I will miss you more than words could ever explain. From your brother Lee Yassein.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact police. Reports can be made via 101, the LiveChat function on our website , or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police issue urgent appeal after three-vehicle collision on M62 leaves woman ‘seriously injured’
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal to the public following a collision involving three vehicles on the M62 over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at approximately 10:10pm this past Saturday (10 October), officers received reports of a collision involving three vehicles on the westbound carriageway between Junctions 20 and 21 of the M62 motorway.
A large emergency services response attended the scene – including colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), as well as GMP.
When they arrived on the scene, they found that a woman in her has 60s sustained ‘serious injuries’, and at this time, she remains in hospital for treatment.
Initial police enquiries have indicated that a Mercedes van was involved in a collision with a Volvo, which subsequently collided with a Vauxhall Insignia.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and remains in custody for questioning.
While enquires are ongoing, officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward, and say they are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Can you help? Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police via 101 or through the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting incident number 3374 of 10/10/26.
Information can also be provided directly to the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, or alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Simon Brace (via Wikimedia Commons)
Emily Sergeant -
1st February 2023 
