Ozzy Recovering From Pneumonia; Cancels Australia, New Zealand & Japan

Balazs Mohai / MTI via AP – Ozzy Osbourne
Budapestarena, Budapest, Hungary

A few weeks after postponing his U.K. and European tour leg because of illness, Ozzy Osbourne has been forced to cancel appearances in Australia, New Zealand and Japan to give him time to recover from pneumonia. 

“Ozzy recently developed pneumonia and has spent some time in hospital. Thankfully he is now through the worst part,” Ozzy’s manager and wife, Sharon Osbourne, said in a statement. “His doctors have advised that he stay at home to recuperate for a full six weeks with no travel.”

The canceled gigs included performances at Download editions in Sydney March 9, Melbourne March 11, as well as Download Japan, which takes place March 21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, east of Tokyo. Ozzy also had shows booked at Horncastle Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand. 

“We are extremely disappointed to have to bring this news to you, our Download family, however it should go without saying, Ozzy’s health and well-being is number one. We wish Ozzy all the best in his recovery and hope he is back to full health as soon as possible,” Download Australia posted in a statement on Facebook. 

“It is impossible to replace Ozzy Osbourne at any time, but three weeks out from Download there is no chance of us securing an act to replace the headline slot. We are pleased to announce Aussie hard rock kings, Airbourne will join the Download line up and thank them for joining us with such short notice!” 

To make up for Ozzy’s cancellation, Download Australia is offering ticketholders a $45 merchandise voucher. Refunds are available now until midnight Feb. 24. 

As for Download Japan, a statement on its Facebook wished the Prince of Darkness a speedy recovery and said, “We are currently working towards the announcement of additional acts for the festival. Thank you for your patience. We kindly ask for your understanding that refunds will not be issued in the case of lineup changes.” 

Last month’s announcement pushing back the U.K. and European gigs noted that the rocker had been diagnosed with a severe upper-respiratory infection that the doctor thought “could develop into pneumonia given the physicality of the live performances and an extensive travel schedule throughout Europe in harsh winter conditions.”

Ozzy’s website promised that details about the rescheduled U.K./European dates will be announced in the coming months. Fans can hold onto their tickets, which will be honored at the new dates, or refunds are available at point of purchase.