Former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has cancelled several tour dates as he recovers from pneumonia, his wife Sharon has said.

The rock star's shows in Australia, New Zealand and Japan are no longer going ahead after doctors told the singer he needs to "recuperate for six weeks".

Osbourne was due to play in Sydney, Melbourne, Christchurch, Auckland and Chiba in March, according to his website.

Writing on Twitter, Sharon said: "Ozzy recently developed pneumonia & has spent some time in hospital. He is through the worst part.

"His doctors have advised that he stay at home to recuperate for full six weeks."


She revealed earlier this month that Osbourne, 70, had been admitted to hospital after suffering from flu.

Image: Sharon Osbourne said her husband needed six weeks to recover

She said he experienced "complications" and doctors had advised him to go to hospital.

Following advice from doctors, Osbourne was forced to delay the UK and Europe legs of his No More Tours 2 tour.

A statement on his website last month said the heavy metal star - also known as The Prince of Darkness - was suffering from flu and severe upper-respiratory infection.

Doctors feared the infection would develop into pneumonia if he toured, the statement added.

Osbourne formed Black Sabbath in 1969 with bass player Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward and guitarist Tony Iommi.

The musicians are widely credited with inventing and popularising heavy metal music.

Birmingham-born Osbourne released 11 solo albums and sold more than 100 million records across the globe with Black Sabbath and on his own.

He also starred in reality TV show The Osbournes from 2002, which followed him and his family.