11 Insights from ‘Ozzy: No Escape From Now’ on Osbourne’s Last Years
Ozzy Osbourne’s Emotional Journey
On April 24, 2025, just 72 days before his highly anticipated farewell concert in Birmingham, England, Ozzy Osbourne found himself in an emotional state. Seated in his Los Angeles backyard, he expressed deep fears of missing the show due to ongoing health issues. After suffering a serious fall in 2019, Ozzy had faced numerous health challenges that left him in almost constant pain, struggling to walk. A recent near-fatal bout with sepsis, stemming from a hospital stay for pneumonia, only added to his worries. With a cracked vertebra added to his troubles, he was too frail to undergo surgery, heightening his sense of despair.
A Heartbreaking Revelation
With his wife, Sharon, by his side, Ozzy spoke candidly about his struggles. “The problem now is getting to England,” he rasped, tears streaming from Sharon’s eyes. “I’ve got to be there. There’s no two ways about it.” The gravity of his situation weighed heavily on him. He lamented how, as the years passed, his health continued to deteriorate, rendering him almost incapacitated. “If I’m not there, I’ll be doubly pissed off,” he added, encapsulating his frustration with his circumstances.
This intimate moment was filmed by director Tania Alexander for the upcoming documentary Ozzy: No Escape From Now, which chronicles Ozzy’s life and challenges leading up to the farewell concert. The documentary showcases his collaboration with producer Andrew Watt on the 2022 album Patient Number 9, as well as his preparations for the monumental concert, where he performed to a packed crowd before passing away just 17 days later.
Insights from the Documentary
The documentary shines a light on many aspects of Ozzy’s life. One notable revelation during his recovery was his television viewing habits. Surprisingly, he tuned into shows about murderers and historical events like World War II and the Vietnam War, alongside watching interviews of the late Ronnie James Dio on YouTube. “He feels terrible,” Sharon remarked about Ozzy’s new interest in Dio, highlighting how he had never truly known Dio or listened to his music.
Struggles on the Road to Recovery
Ozzy’s road to recovery was fraught with challenges. During a 2018 farewell tour, he developed staph infections, leading to a harrowing hospital experience and a fall that resulted in a broken neck. “How could they let him out of the first hospital?” Kelly Osbourne questioned, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
As his health continued to decline, he faced devastating pain that consumed his daily life. “It’s a pain that no matter what you do, it’s always there,” he shared. This ongoing struggle took a toll on his mental well-being, leading him to openly discuss his battles with depression.
A Terrifying Incident
In a chilling recollection, Ozzy recounted a moment when he was awakened in the night by an intruder. He attempted to confront the person, unaware that this was not the first intrusion into his home. Such incidents added to the feeling of vulnerability he and his family experienced.
Coping with Mental Health
Addressing his mental health became crucial in his journey. “I’m taking antidepressants now since I was getting ready to off myself,” Ozzy revealed. His honesty regarding these struggles portrayed the depth of his pain. Kelly poignantly noted how the loss of his bandmates had left an indelible mark on Ozzy’s spirit.
Musical Legacy and Last Performances
During the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, Ozzy lacked the strength to perform, leading to a supergroup stepping in to honor him. “That feeling of wanting to get up there broke my heart,” he confessed. His desire to perform remained strong, even in the face of overwhelming physical limitations.
In a humorous twist, Ozzy contemplated exploring bionic legs to regain mobility, joking about the potential for becoming “the real Iron Man.” However, he was almost sidelined due to a blood clot but managed to attend the event at the last minute.
Reflecting on Life
“The first call I made was to Metallica,” noted guitarist Tom Morello, illustrating the excitement around Ozzy’s final show. It was a chance to anchor a memorable event featuring all original members of Black Sabbath.
As Ozzy approached his last concert, he expressed a longing for life beyond the stage. “I want to wake up and spend time with Sharon,” he stated, sharing a vision of peace and freedom after his final performance. Both he and Sharon yearned for a simpler life together.
Ozzy concluded his reflections with a sense of fulfillment. “If my life is coming to an end, I can’t complain. I’ve had a great life.”
How do you feel about Ozzy Osbourne’s journey and his impact on music?
