Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ozzy Osbourne shares worrying warning doctors gave him ahead of spinal surgery

Rock star suffered from persistent pain after a fall at his home in 2019

Nicole Vassell
Thursday 11 August 2022 10:12 BST
Comments
Ozzy Osbourne closes Commonwealth Games shouting 'Birmingham forever'

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ozzy Osbourne has given some insight into his health journey after an operation to fix an ongoing issue with his spine.

The Black Sabbath frontman underwent spinal surgery in June following years of complications.

Initially, Osbourne suffered nerve damage and injury to his back after a quad bike accident at his estate in 2003.

A fall during a night-time trip to the bathroom in 2019 aggravated the damage further, which led to the musician experiencing consistent pain and discomfort. He was then diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020.

In a recent conversation with The Sun, Osbourne opened up about his experiences in getting better.

During the interview, he revealed that ahead of the first surgery, the doctor gave him some concerning news. “I was told, ‘You’ve got a good chance of being paralysed for the rest of your life.’

“You just don’t expect the surgeon to be a f***ing butcher,” Osbourne explained to the publication. “I was left in agony.”

Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath performs during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony
Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath performs during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony (Getty Images)

His further surgery this year was more of a success – ever since, he and wife Sharon Osbourne have been giving fans positive updates on his recovery.

Still, Osbourne admits that life post-surgery has been difficult at times, as his loved ones have had to see him struggle.

“Never have I been laid up so bad for so long,” her It’s been breaking Sharon’s heart to see me like this but I will get back on tour if it f***ing kills me.”

The musician also expressed gratitude for his surgeon who had enough skill and experience to properly address his issues.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up
Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

“He had to cut nerves and you have to take f***ng nerve-pain pills, but I am getting better,” he said.

Osbourne also explained that a combination of physiotherapy and focusing on his work is key to helping him recover. “I go forward two inches and back one, but I’m doing it,” he said.

The Birmingham-born star recently thrilled audiences at the Commonwealth Games with a surprise appearance at the closing ceremony, held in his home city.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in