Asked why he hadn't played in Israel before, the heavy metal rocker, known for decades of decadence and substance abuse, told reporters in Tel Aviv: "I guess I was drunk for so many years. I try to stay away from politics. They don't understand me and I don't understand them".

Ozzy Osbourne is in Israel this week as part of this year's international Ozzfest tour, along with Soulfly and Korn.