As Ozzy Osbourne piled up career achievements and more shockingly controversial episodes throughout the '80s, the last thing anyone thought he'd do was quit. But that's just what the notorious former Black Sabbath singer did on Nov. 15, 1992.

On that night, Osbourne wrapped up his purposefully named “No More Tours” retirement jaunt – a pun based on the title of his most recent solo album, No More Tears – by performing the second of two shows featuring his solo band and long-estranged bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. There was massive media hype and plenty of thrills for thousands of fans who packed the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, Calif.

It wasn't very long, however, before Osbourne changed his mind, pronouncing he was “already bored with retirement" just days later. This paved the way for an eventual return to both the studio and concert stage. There was also a surprise move into TV via The Osbournes, a reality show that made him a household name far outside of the rock world.

So, what the heck happened? Was the entire retirement announcement and tour just a publicity stunt meant to sell more albums and concert tickets? Turns out, it was something far more simple: "Retirement sucked," Osbourne said back then. "It wasn't too long before I started getting antsy and writing songs again."

Watch Ozzy Osbourne Perform "Crazy Train" in 1992

This back and forth ended up wreaking total havoc on Black Sabbath, which had been on the comeback trail in 1992 after reuniting with Ronnie James Dio, Osbourne’s initial successor.

All of the momentum surrounding the Dehumanizer album and tour evaporated when Iommi and Butler decided to perform on Ozzy’s farewell dates, driving an enraged Dio out of the picture. Judas Priest legend Rob Halford ended up stepping in at the last second as a replacement.

Meanwhile, Osbourne was back in a big way. His next two albums, 1995's Ozzmosis and 2001's Down to Earth, both boasted platinum sales. By 2011, he was back with Black Sabbath for a new album and tour. Osbourne then announced plans for another farewell tour in 2018.

 

 

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