Ozzy Osbourne is sharing insights into his contemplation of mortality and the challenges arising from a recent back surgery, which unveiled a tumor in one of his vertebrae. In a comprehensive conversation with Rolling Stone UK, the 74-year-old rock icon expressed gratitude for his survival, deeming it a significant feat given his numerous close calls with death. Reflecting on his past struggles with addiction and overdoses, Ozzy marveled at the improbable fact that he is still alive.
During his recovery, Ozzy engaged in introspection, noting the absence of many former drinking companions who have passed away. He humorously remarked on the abundance of departed friends, saying, “The graveyard’s full of them! You’re dead and you’re dead and you’re dead.” This reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and Ozzy’s unique position as a survivor among his peers.
He continues, expressing, “I ought to have departed long before many of my companions. Why am I the sole survivor? It baffles me. There are moments when I stare into the mirror and ask, ‘Why the heck did you survive?!’ I’m not boasting about it because, truthfully, I should have perished a thousand times. My stomach has been pumped more times than I can count.”
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Transitioning to the topic of his apprehensions about death, Ozzy divulges his personal timeline.
“I don’t harbor a fear of death, but I’m averse to the notion of enduring a prolonged, painful, and miserable existence,” he shared with the magazine, which bestowed upon him its inaugural Icon Award. “I appreciate the concept that, in the case of a terminal illness, one could opt for a swift resolution in a place like Switzerland. I witnessed my father’s battle with cancer, and it has left a lasting impression on me.”
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“But wait,” he went on, “I mentioned to Sharon that I had smoked a joint recently, and she exclaimed, ‘Why are you doing that? It’ll jeopardize your health!’ I retorted, ‘How long do you expect me to live?!’ At most, I figure I’ve got ten years left, and as you age, time seems to accelerate.”
The origin of the ten-year timeframe remains uncertain, whether it’s Ozzy’s personal estimation or information conveyed by medical professionals.
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During the same interview, Ozzy disclosed that he underwent a fourth spinal surgery earlier this year to address the repercussions of a fall in 2019. The damage involved the displacement of metal rods inserted into his body, a necessity following a quad bike accident at his UK residence in 2003.
“It has really taken a toll on me,” he conveyed. “The second surgery went terribly wrong and left me virtually incapacitated. I had expected to be back on my feet after the second and third surgeries, but in the latest one, they inserted a rod into my spine. They also discovered a tumor in one of the vertebrae, leading to a comprehensive extraction. It’s been quite challenging, and my sense of balance is significantly disrupted.”
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Sharon, who recently provided an update on her own well-being, reflects on “almost five years of heartache” amidst Ozzy’s health struggles.
“There have been times when I’ve felt utterly helpless and deeply sorry for Ozzy, witnessing him endure this pain,” she remarks. “He has undergone a series of surgeries, and the entire ordeal has felt like a never-ending nightmare. Despite it all, he hasn’t lost his sense of humor. However, as I look at my husband, I see him at home while others are out on the road. This is the longest period he has ever been away from work. Being home for such an extended time has been unfamiliar territory for him.”
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Nevertheless, the rock legend, who disclosed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2020, remains optimistic about returning to the stage, despite declaring the conclusion of his touring career earlier this year. In an interview with Rolling Stone UK, he expressed frustration, stating he is “f***ing pissed off” that he never had the opportunity to bid farewell or express gratitude.
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“Regardless of the circumstances, that’s my objective to strive for. Whether it’s Ozzfest or another venue, maybe even a gig at the Roundhouse,” he declares. “If I can’t sustain regular performances, my aim is simply to be in good enough health for one show where I can express, ‘Hi, everyone, thanks so much for my life.’ That’s the goal I’m working towards, and if I happen to pass away afterward, I’ll depart content.”
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