Ozzy Osbourne planning to release new album in 2006

Ozzy Osbourne expects to release a new album at the beginning of next year.

Sharon Osbourne, his wife and manager, told Billboard.com that Osbourne is writing material for the album, to be released by Epic Records. Next Tuesday, Epic releases a four-disc set, "Prince of Darkness."

Osbourne plans to go on the road this summer for the 10th anniversary Ozzfest tour. The singer told Billboard that he has no plans to retire, saying that he tried it 15 years ago and "it lasted an (expletive) year."