Ozzy needs a break

It's not his health that's causing Ozzy Osbourne to step away from his OzzFest tour next year - he just needs a break. Osbourne explained his reasons by saying, "After 10 years, I've decided that this year will be my last as the headlining act on Ozzfest. It is well-established now and I feel it's time for me to hand the reigns off to someone else. However, I will be performing at a few select Ozzfest shows next year. Despite the rumors, I don't have permanent throat problems. The truth is that after 11 straight summers on the road, I would just love to finally take a summer holiday with my wife. You haven't heard the last from me."

There had been some speculation that the ongoing and unexplained health issues that caused Ozzy to miss a few OzzFest dates this summer might have played into his decision. Also, he's still not fully recovered from his near-fatal ATV accident at his British estate in December 2003.

The next OzzFest show is on Tuesday, August 23rd at Journal Pavilion in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It will be the first show for Velvet Revolver, who've stepped into the spot held by Iron Maiden earlier on the tour. Due to previous commitments, Maiden's last performance was Saturday, August 20th at the Hyundai Pavilion Of Glen Helen in Devore, California.