Ozzy Osbourne Isn't Really Done Playing Live - Audio Ink Radio Audio Ink Radio

Ozzy Osbourne Isn’t Really Done Playing Live

2023-03-08

Zakk Wylde performing live at OzzFest with Black Label Society – Story by Cat Badra, photo by Anne Erickson

Ozzy Osbourne’s longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde is giving fans hope that more Ozzy shows are possible

Ozzy Osbourne recently announced his retirement from touring due to health issues, but all is not lost. In fact, some of Osbourne’s band mates truly believe he will perform more concerts in the future.

Lead guitarist Zakk Wylde says he’s more than ready to hit the stage with the Prince of Darkness whenever Osbourne is “ready to roll.”

When Osbourne released an official statement to cancel his scheduled 2023 European and UK tour, Osbourne said that his “touring days” were over because of his physical issues, but in that same message, he did say 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.”

Wylde has been playing with Osbourne for years. He parted ways with the Prince of Darkness for several years but rejoined Osbourne’s band in 2018 right before the metal great’s “No More Tours 2” farewell tour. Following Osbourne’s farewell, Wyle posted the following open letter on Instagram:

“Oz – keep hitting the iron, staying strong & positive,” he said. “Everybody is praying & rooting for you – your strength, resilience & heart of a lion is just one of the many reasons you’re a hero to me & millions around the world – when you are ready to roll – we roll. I love you Oz. Zakk XOXO.”

Ozzy Osbourne essentially announced his retirement from touring in an emotional statement last month, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t play any more concerts. In fact, his guitarist Zakk Wylde is primed to take the stage with the Prince of Darkness whenever the latter is “ready to roll.”

Of course, Wylde is keeping plenty busy without the Ozzy tour dates. His band Black Label Society is currently co-headlining a North American trek with Anthrax and support from Exodus. Wyle is also part of the new lineup for Pantera, who have a slew of 2023 North American tour dates book, plus gigs opening for Metallica this year and in 2024.

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.