Ozzy Osbourne Apologizes for "Insane Behavior" While Drinking, Taking Drugs for Past 18 Months

Ozzy Osbourne posted a message to his Facebook page late last night, apologizing for his "insane behavior" while drinking and taking drugs over the past year and a half.

He also denied rumors that he's splitting from his wife, Sharon.

Here's the complete message:

"For the last year and a half I have been drinking and taking drugs. I was in a very dark place and was an asshole to the people I love most, my family. However, I am happy to say that I am now 44 days sober.

"Just to set the record straight, Sharon and I are not divorcing. I’m just trying to be a better person. I would like to apologize to Sharon, my family, my friends and my band mates for my insane behavior during this period………and my fans.

"God Bless,

Ozzy"

Osbourne, in terms of "setting the record straight" regarding his wife, is referring to breakup rumors that started when Sharon Osbourne was recently spotted moving into a new Beverly Hills property and not wearing her wedding ring, according to USA Today.

The Facebook post follows a wave of recent Black Sabbath updates, including an announcement about four North American summer tour dates and updates on the band's new album, 13, which will be released June 11. The band released the full track listing late last week and posted a new "in the studio" video over the weekend. Check out all these stories under RELATED CONTENT, above.

Damian Fanelli
Editor-in-Chief, Guitar World

Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.