Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman, faced a tumultuous journey leading up to his farewell concert, “Back to the Beginning,” on April 24, 2025. The event took place in Birmingham, England, just 72 days after an emotional moment captured in the documentary “Ozzy: No Escape From Now.” This film portrays his struggles with health and personal challenges as he prepared for one of rock history’s monumental final performances.
Health Struggles and Life-Crisis in Focus
In Los Angeles, Osbourne sat in his backyard, expressing despair over his health. After a severe fall in 2019, he endured multiple health issues, including debilitating pain and difficulty walking. A life-threatening bout with sepsis, triggered by pneumonia, compounded his challenges. Osbourne had a cracked vertebra and was too weak for surgery, leading to feelings of desperation about making it to the concert.
Documentary Insights
“Ozzy: No Escape From Now,” directed by Tania Alexander and airing on Paramount+, details these harrowing experiences. Here are 11 key insights revealed by the documentary:
- Osbourne took time during his recovery to learn about Ronnie James Dio, his predecessor in Black Sabbath.
- He watched many programs on crime and history, reflecting on his life and career.
- Initial misdiagnosis following his fall led to a serious neck injury that was discovered too late.
- Ozzy’s family felt that an early surgery exacerbated his pain, complicating his recovery.
- The Osbourne household experienced a robbery while they were at home, creating a terrifying atmosphere.
- At times, pain led Osbourne to contemplate death, showcasing the psychological toll it took on him.
- Working on the album “Patient Number 9” with producer Andrew Watt provided therapeutic relief and distraction.
- Osbourne’s resentment over his departure from Black Sabbath lingered until his passing.
- He felt incredibly heartbroken about missing his Hall of Fame induction performance.
- Plans were made for an extraordinary farewell performance featuring a supergroup of renowned artists.
- After “Back to the Beginning,” Ozzy and Sharon envisioned a life of freedom and personal time together.
A Triumphant Farewell
Despite his health adversities, Osbourne ultimately performed at the “Back to the Beginning” concert, delivering a powerful set. Tragically, he passed away just 17 days later, cementing his final act in rock history as a profound moment of triumph despite personal struggles.
This documentary not only chronicles his journey but also highlights the resilience and spirit of an iconic musician who faced unimaginable challenges while sharing unforgettable music with the world.
