Zakk Wylde hails Ozzy Osbourne as The Bionic Man of Metal ahead of life-changing operation

Zakk Wylde has hailed Ozzy Osbourne as ‘The Bionic Man of Metal’ ahead of the singer’s life-changing operation today (13th June).

Speaking on Talk TV last week, Ozzy’s wife and manager Sharon Osbourne revealed that the Black Sabbath legend is preparing to undergo major surgery that is “really going to determine the rest of his life.”

Before Black Label Society’s monumental Apex Stage performance at Download Festival on Saturday (11th June), Wyatt asked Zakk Wylde how his close friend Ozzy is doing.

“Ozzy is getting ready to go into… I was talking with him the other day, he’s getting ready for surgery Number 3 so they’re gonna try maybe instead of the crazy glue we’ll try some Gorilla Glue on him this time – maybe another duct tape or something,” Zakk Wylde told us.

“Whatever we can do to get him back together, you know. He really is The Bionic Man of Metal now. He’s The Six Million Dollar Man - Six Billion it would have to be now!

“So, we’re gonna glue him back together - make them rebuild him faster, stronger, bigger, the whole nine yards.”

Zakk Wylde gives update on Ozzy at Download Festival:

In an interview with Classic Rock Magazine in May, Ozzy Osbourne said the fall in his bedroom in 2019 that aggravated old injuries has left him unable to walk properly.

“I can’t walk properly these days,” Ozzy explained. “I have physical therapy every morning. I am somewhat better, but nowhere near as much as I want to be to go back on the road.”

Asked at the end of the interview if he has a message to readers, Ozzy replied: “I hope I can do more gigs. I can’t wait to see you all again. God bless you all and stay safe.”

Despite his health setbacks, Ozzy has recorded a new studio album with producer Andrew Watt, who also helmed 2020’s ‘Ordinary Man.’

The record features an array of guest performers including Tony Iommi, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Zakk Wylde, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, Queens of the Stone Ages’ Josh Homme and late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.

Ozzy Osbourne’s UK & Ireland arena tour with Judas Priest is currently scheduled to take place more than four years later than planned in May and June 2023.

Black Label Society and many more on Saturday at Download Festival 2022:

Now see:

Friday at Download Festival 2022 in photos

Sunday at Download Festival 2022 in photos

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• Black Label Society
• Ozzy Osbourne
• Download Festival
• Black Sabbath