Ozzy has not released an all-new solo effort since 2010's "Scream", having spent the last few years touring with BLACK SABBATH in support of that band's "13" LP, as well as playing a number of solo shows.

 

Speaking to The Sun, Ozzy said that guesting on rapper B's new album after a fight with pneumonia left him in intensive care earlier this year gave him a new lease of life.

 

"I'd never even heard of this kid. He wanted me to sing on his song 'Take What You Want', so I did and then one thing led to another. I started recording a new album with Post Malone's producer Andrew Watt. It's only nine tracks, but it was a catalyst to get me to where I am today.

 

"If it wasn't for making this record, I would still be on traction, thinking, 'I'm going to be lying here forever.' I've missed music so badly. My fans are so loyal and so good. Up until making the album, I thought I was dying. But that got me off my arse."

 

Describing what fans can expect from his forthcoming 12th solo album, Ozzy said: "This is my first recording in a studio for 10 years, so I do feel a bit out of touch.

 

"Music goes straight online these days and that's quicker than it takes me to write a text. It's all about downloads and streaming now. What the fuck does that mean? What's Spotify? I thought it was a skin problem where you woke up Spotified.

 

"The album was all finished in four weeks. I said to [wife and manager] Sharon that I didn't feel like I'd made an album because we haven't ended up screaming at each other."

 

In early April, Ozzy postponed all his 2019 tour dates, both in North America and Europe, as he recovered from an injury sustained while dealing with his recent bout of pneumonia. The singer fell at his Los Angeles home, aggravating years-old injuries from his 2003 ATV accident that required new surgery.