Ozzy Osbourne announced his No More Tours 2 tour in 2018, implying that this would be his last major concert tour. At 73 years old, after over 50 years of performing, many fans wondered if this really would be Ozzy’s final goodbye tour. There are several factors that suggest this could be the case, but also reasons to believe we haven’t seen the last of Ozzy on stage.
Ozzy’s age and health problems
At 73 years old, Ozzy is getting up there in age for a rock star who puts on energetic live shows. His vocal range isn’t what it used to be, and he suffers from various health problems that could make touring difficult. In 2019, Ozzy had to postpone his tour dates after developing pneumonia. He also has Parkinson’s disease, which causes tremors and stiffness, and can worsen over time. While Ozzy still has the energy and passion for performing, his health issues may make touring too challenging.
Comments implying retirement
In announcing the No More Tours 2 tour, Ozzy stated “I’ve been extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to see many parts of the world throughout my career…But it has come to my attention that I now have too many shows booked that I can’t do.” This seems to imply Ozzy feels unable to fulfil his touring commitments and is ready to stop. Comments from his wife Sharon Osbourne also suggest Ozzy is ready to stay home and spend time with family rather than be on the road.
Farewell tour marketing
By branding No More Tours as a ‘farewell tour’, this generates publicity and ticket sales from fans wanting to see Ozzy live one last time. If this tour isn’t actually his last, then the next tour can be promoted as a special ‘comeback’, ‘encore’ or ‘one last time’ tour. Farewell tour marketing is an effective tactic used by many musicians to boost interest, even if they end up touring again. So the branding of this tour as the end doesn’t guarantee it’s Ozzy’s absolute final tour.
Reasons Ozzy could keep touring
While the above factors suggest Ozzy’s touring days could be over, there are also good reasons to think he may still have some concerts left in him.
Precedent of previous farewell tours
This is not the first time Ozzy has launched a ‘farewell’ tour – he had a No More Tours tour back in 1992! He returned to touring just a few years later. It’s common for bands to do multiple ‘last tours’ as retirement doesn’t tend to stick. Ozzy may get the itch to perform again even after No More Tours 2.
Strong audience demand
Ozzy has a loyal, multi-generational fanbase who would love to see him perform again. If enough fans are calling out for more, it may tempt Ozzy to schedule another string of shows. Bandmates like Zakk Wylde have hinted they’d be up for more tours, so Ozzy would have support. Audience demand can override a decision to quit touring.
Potential for lucrative offers
Given his status as a rock legend, Ozzy may receive tempting offers for special concerts, festivals or one-off shows in the future. Offers like headline festival spots, tribute concerts or even a Las Vegas residency could persuade Ozzy to perform again. If the money is right, it may be hard to turn down.
Setlists and special guests so far
On the initial legs of the No More Tours 2 tour so far, Ozzy has been delivering career-spanning setlists packed with greatest hits and fan favourites:
Europe 2018
– Bark at the Moon
– Mr. Crowley
– I Don’t Know
– Suicide Solution
– Road to Nowhere
– Shot in the Dark
– Rat Salad
– Iron Man (with Zakk Wylde on guitar)
– Fairies Wear Boots
– War Pigs
North America 2018
– Bark at the Moon
– Mr. Crowley
– I Don’t Know
– Suicide Solution
– Road to Nowhere
– Shot in the Dark
– Rat Salad
– Iron Man (with Zakk Wylde on guitar)
– Fairies Wear Boots
– War Pigs
– Mama, I’m Coming Home
– Crazy Train
Europe 2020
– Bark at the Moon
– Mr. Crowley
– I Don’t Know
– Suicide Solution
– Road to Nowhere
– Shot in the Dark
– Rat Salad
– Iron Man (with Zakk Wylde on guitar)
– Fairies Wear Boots
– War Pigs
– S.A.T.O. (first time since 1992)
– Crazy Train
– Mama, I’m Coming Home
– Paranoid
He has had various special guests join him on stage including Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Tommy Lee of Motley Crue and Slash. Fans are hoping for more surprise guests on future tour legs.
Potential setlist songs for future shows
While Ozzy has stuck to a core setlist, there are many rare tracks fans would love him to break out on the next No More Tours 2 legs:
Blizzard of Ozz album
– Goodbye to Romance
– Dee
– Steal Away (The Night)
Diary of a Madman album
– Flying High Again
– Believer
– Tonight
Ultimate Sin album
– Shot in the Dark
– Killer of Giants
– Lightning Strikes
No Rest for the Wicked
– Miracle Man
– Devil’s Daughter
– Tattooed Dancer
No More Tears
– Zombie Stomp
– A.V.H.
– Hellraiser
How much are tickets for No More Tours 2?
Ticket prices for No More Tours 2 have varied by location, seating level and timing. Here are some typical asking prices for venues on recent legs:
Venue | City | Date | Cheapest Ticket | Most Expensive Ticket |
---|---|---|---|---|
3Arena | Dublin | 1/16/2020 | $80 | $120 |
The O2 | London | 2/12/2020 | $100 | $250 |
SAP Arena | Mannheim | 2/17/2020 | $90 | $180 |
Hallenstadion | Zurich | 2/20/2020 | $100 | $150 |
Prices have generally been lower for shows in Europe compared to the US. The average price for good floor/lower bowl seats has been around $120-150 per ticket across all venues so far. Of course reseller prices can go much higher for those determined to get tickets.
What does Ozzy plan to do after touring?
When Ozzy does decide to step back from major touring, he has mentioned several plans:
Spend time with family
Ozzy has said his priority is to spend quality time with his wife, kids and grandkids – something his touring schedule has prevented him from doing consistently. Even when not touring he is often traveling for other work commitments. Retirement would let him be in one place with family.
Make new music and other projects
While Ozzy may stop extensive touring, he still plans to be creative, whether it’s playing sessions with other artists, working in the studio or authoring books. He doesn’t intend to put his feet up but rather shift his energy to different projects outside of the demands of live concerts.
Special one-off performances
While grueling multi-month world tours may happen less frequently, fans can probably expect Ozzy to make special appearances at events like award shows, tribute concerts and festivals in the years to come. He is sure to get offers he cannot refuse for major performances.
Las Vegas residency?
Like other music legends, Ozzy may follow tours with a Las Vegas multi-night residency. This allows artists to settle in one place and perform limited shows without extensive travel. Kiss, Rod Stewart, Aerosmith and many others have taken the Vegas residency route in the past decade, so it’s easy to imagine Ozzy doing the same.
How does No More Tours 2 compare to previous Ozzy tours?
No More Tours 2 seems much more low key than some previous Ozzy treks including:
The Ultimate Sin Tour (1986)
– Ozzy’s peak 80s era tour with crazy theatrics, pyrotechnics and energy.
– Massive production values like rising platforms and costume changes.
– Controversy over biting head off live bat on stage.
– Long setlists with up to 25 songs per night.
No More Tours Tour (1992)
– Ozzy’s first ‘last tour’ with Black Sabbath reunion.
– Setlists over 30 songs including Sabbath tunes.
– Multiple costume changes and baudy antics.
– High energy performance with Geezer Butler on bass.
Ozzfest (1996 – 2010)
– Ozzy headlined and curated multiple editions of his Ozzfest summer festival tours.
– Featured rising bands like Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Linkin Park.
– Production with multiple stages, pyrotechnics, occult theatrics.
– Collaborations with Black Sabbath, Rob Zombie, Korn, others.
No More Tours 2 seems like a paired down ‘greatest hits’ tour in comparison to these over-the-top spectacles of earlier eras. Ozzy seems content to let the music do the talking at this stage in his career. But if this is indeed his last ever tour, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pull out all the stops for a few final epic performances.
Conclusion
It’s hard to ever count Ozzy Osbourne out. While No More Tours 2 is implied to be his retirement tour, Ozzy has beaten the odds before. Given his continued passion for performing and the love of fans, there’s a good chance we’ll see Ozzy take the stage again in some capacity after this tour wraps up. But fans would be wise to buy tickets for No More Tours 2 if it’s coming to their city, as this may very well be the last chance to see the legendary Prince of Darkness in a full concert production. One thing’s for sure – when Ozzy does finally fade to black, he will have left an incomparable legacy in the annals of rock history.