BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: Ozzy Osbourne has admitted that he believes he should have died years before several of his late "drinking friends" as a result of his struggles with alcohol and drugs.
The 74-year-old ‘Black Sabbath’ frontman claimed he now wonders why he is still alive after receiving the Rolling Stone UK Icon Award on Thursday night, on November 23.
Ozzy spoke on his feelings over outliving his pals, particularly ‘Motorhead' star Lemmy and ‘UFO’ bassist Pete Way, with whom he performed in the 1980s.
What did Ozzy reveal?
The rockstar nicknamed ‘The Prince of Darkness’ said on Thursday, “I've been doing a lot of reflection while I've been laid up, and all my drinking partners, I've realized they're all f**king dead.”
He continued, “I should have been dead before loads of them. Why am I the last man standing? Sometimes I look in the mirror and go, 'Why the f**k did you make it?'.”
He added, “I should have been dead a thousand times. I've had my stomach pumped God knows how many times.”
Ozzy has had an illustrious career, selling over 100 million records in his 55 years in the music industry.
Earlier this year, the British musician announced his plan to retire from touring.
In 2003, he was diagnosed with a mild form of Parkinson's disease, but he only made it public in 2020.
Ozzy has revealed that his biggest struggles are due to a fall he suffered in 2019, which caused metal rods in his back to dislodge.
These rods had been inserted following a quad bike accident at his Buckinghamshire home in 2003.
He shared his physical struggles in Rolling Stone UK magazine, saying, “The second surgery went drastically wrong and virtually left me crippled.”
He added, “I thought I'd be up and running after the second and third, but with the last one they put a f*ing rod in my spine.”
“They found a tumor in one of the vertebrae, so they had to dig all that out too. It's pretty rough, man, and my balance is all f*ed up,” the rockstar said.
On Thursday, Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife, proudly accepted ‘The Icon’ honor trophy on behalf of her injured husband at the Rolling Stone UK Awards held at the Camden Roundhouse in London.
Ozzy was too ill to attend the star-studded ceremony, where the 74-year-old Rock’n Rolla was being honored for his contributions to the music industry.
Ozzy rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band ‘Black Sabbath’ and was due to give a speech at the ceremony.
Instead, a beaming Sharon gave a moving speech on his behalf and introduced a video message from the man himself.
Sharon, who is 71 years old, shared that at times she has felt helpless and bad for Ozzy, who has gone through several operations.
Sharon said, “At times I've just felt so helpless and so bad for Ozzy. He's gone through all these operations and the whole thing has felt like a nightmare.”
She added, “He hasn't lost his sense of humor, but I look at my husband and he's here while everyone else is out on the road.”
Internet collectively blurted out one word in response to Ozzy's lament
People on social media showered praise and affection towards Ozzy’s wife, Sharon, telling the old rocker the reason behind him still being alive is solely because of his lovely wife.
One X user said: “Sharon”
Another user stated: “Because you have Sharon”
Another user remarked: “Because he met Sharon, that's why.”
Another X user wrote: “Two words…Sharon Osbourne @MrsSOsbourne”
One user on Facebook said: “It’s thanks to his partner in crime Sharon Osbourne”
Another person commented: “Last man standing because your The Prince of Darkness, what other reason does one need”
Another user quipped: “Maybe he did die and it’s the drugs and alcohol keeping him going!”
And finally, this user commented: “Yes he's right,but come on Ozzy you're still here.”
