Ozzy Osbourne Cancels Download Festival Australia Appearances

19 February 2019 | 4:47 pm | Staff Writer

The metal legend is still recovering from pneumonia.

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Ozzy Osbourne has officially cancelled his 2019 Download Festival Australia appearances due to illness.

Earlier today, it was announced the metal legend was forced to withdraw from Download Festival Japan, with promoters stating he required six weeks of treatment at home following pneumonia that saw him hospitalised.

With the Sydney and Melbourne legs of Download Festival less than a month away, organisers have now confirmed Osbourne will not head to the country to perform the headline slots.

"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 wellbeing is number one," Download Australia said. 

"We wish Ozzy all the best in his recovery and hope he is back to full health as soon as possible. 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."

Sharon Osbourne added: “Ozzy recently developed pneumonia and has spent some time in hospital. Thankfully he is now through the worst part, his doctors have advised that he stay at home to recuperate for a full six weeks with no travel."

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Download has also confirmed Aussie rockers Airbourne have joined the bill.

Osbourne was forced to postpone European dates last month, stating at the time: "It just seems that since October, everything I touch has turned to shit. First the staph infection in my thumb and now coming down with the flu and bronchitis."

At that time, Download Festival Australia were "confident" the music legend would still be able to make it to Sydney and Melbourne, but his condition worsened and he was then admitted to hospital.

Read the full statement below, which includes refund details.

Ozzy Osbourne has announced that he must unfortunately cancel shows in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. This follows...

Posted by Download Festival Australia on Monday, February 18, 2019