Ozzy Osbourne is pulling out of the Power Trip festival in California this October. Here’s the latest.
The legendary metal rocker says he’s had to make the decision to pull out due to health reasons. “As painful as this is, I’ve had to make the decision to bow out of performing on Power Trip in October,” begins the statement to his fans.
“My original plan was to return to the stage in the summer of 2024, and 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,” Ozzy continues.
“The band that will be replacing me on Power Trip will be announced shortly. They are personal friends of mine and I can promise that you will not be disappointed.”
The full lineup for the Power Trip 2023 festival was revealed earlier in March. Metallica, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Tool, and Guns N’ Roses are all slated to appear on stage in October. The festival is produced by Goldenvoice and will take place in Indio, California at the Empire Polo Grounds on October 6-8, 2023. Tickets for the event are still available, with three-day General Admission tickets starting at $599 + fees.
Ozzy Osbourne announced his retirement from touring in February, making another painful statement for the rocket. “My 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,” Ozzy said at the time. While he was enthusiastic about his upcoming performance, it looks like he’ll need more time to rest and recover.
As for speculation over who will replace him, my best guest would be Judas Priest, who Ozzy thanks in that end-of-touring message. We’ll find out in a couple of days.