Ozzy Osbourne is off the bill for Power Trip; replacement band to be named soon
Singer Ozzy Osbourne announced on Twitter Monday morning that he is unable to attend the October Power Trip concert in Indio.
Here is Ozzy's statement: "As painful as this is, I’ve had to make the decision to bow out of performing on Power Trip in October. My original plan was to return to the stage in the summer of 2024, & when the offer to do this show came in, I optimistically moved forward. Unfortunately, my body is telling me that I’m just not ready yet and I am much too proud to have the first show that I do in nearly five years be half-assed. The band that will be replacing me on Power Trip will be announced shortly. They are personal friends of mine & I can promise that you will not be disappointed. Above all, I want to thank my fans, my band, and my crew for their unconditional loyalty and continual support. I love you all and I will see you soon. God Bless, Ozzy"
As painful as this is, I’ve had to make the decision to bow out of performing on Power Trip in October.
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) July 10, 2023
My original plan was to return to the stage in the summer of 2024, & when the offer to do this show came in, I optimistically moved forward.
Unfortunately, my body is… pic.twitter.com/gHWEE8VuI6
Power Trip is scheduled for October 6th-8th at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio. Organizers say attendees will "experience the biggest names in heavy music at the world's premiere live event destination."
Stay tuned for updates and who will replace the singer for the weekend fall concert.
Health issues
As recently as last year, Osbourne had no plans to hang up his cloak. The Prince of Darkness said he had another tour, even with the Parkinson’s diagnosis he received in 2003.
“I’m saying to you I’ll give it the best shot I can for another tour. You have not seen the end of Ozzy Osbourne, I promise you. If I have to go up there and die on the first song, I’ll still be back the next day,” the rocker told The Guardian in August.
But in January, Osbourne announced he will take a step back to focus on his health. He has canceled his upcoming shows and said his touring career is over because he “is not physically capable (of it).”
This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans… pic.twitter.com/aXGw3fjImo
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) February 1, 2023
In addition to Parkinson's, Osbourne damaged his spine in an accident four years ago.
"My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage," Osbourne said. "My singing voice is fine. However, after three operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy, and most recently groundbreaking Cybernics (HAL) Treatment, my body is still physically weak."
He added in his statement 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."
MORE: From ants to bats, Ozzy Osbourne’s crazy life on the road
Power Trip
The all-new Power Trip music festival promised to bring some of the world's legendary metal and rock powerhouses to the desert. Announced in March, the three-day music festival still has headliners Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, and Metallica.
The festival is set to happen on October 6, 7, and 8 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. It's at the same location where Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival happen.
Here's the report from March, when the event was announced:
