The Ozzy Osbourne documentary titled “No Escape From Now” is now available on Paramount+. This two-hour film offers an in-depth look into Ozzy’s life over the past few years, revealing his struggles with health issues and his desire to perform one last time before saying goodbye to his fans. Directed by Tania Alexander, the documentary chronicles Osbourne’s journey leading up to his farewell concert in Birmingham, England.
Health Struggles Over the Years
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22 at the age of 76. The documentary highlights his serious health challenges, including battles with chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, and complications from a fall in 2019. This incident led to a controversial spinal surgery that, as revealed in the film, may have exacerbated his condition.
Emotional Impact of Surgery
Following his spinal surgery in 2019, Osbourne fell into a deep depression, with his wife Sharon noting his struggles. He turned to antidepressants to cope, reflecting, “The thought of not doing any gigs anymore, I went really into depression.”
Questionable Medical Decisions
Osbourne’s family revealed that the surgery was “overly aggressive.” His daughter Aimee mentioned that many doctors don’t have all the answers, and a later surgeon confirmed that unnecessary procedures had caused further damage. Sharon recounted, “They did stuff that you didn’t need doing.”
Black Sabbath and Regrets
The documentary touches on Osbourne’s feelings about being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979. His daughter Kelly stated, “He’ll never get over that, ever.” Despite this, he managed to reunite with the band for his final performance, showing that healing can sometimes take years.
A Bittersweet Induction
Osbourne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October 2024 but couldn’t perform due to chronic pain. He expressed heartbreak over not being able to take the stage, stating, “A big part of my heart was getting broken because I belong up there.”
Final Concert in Birmingham
The “Back to the Beginning” concert in Birmingham was the culmination of Ozzy’s career. However, leading up to the show, he faced severe health challenges, including a cracked vertebra and pneumonia. Sharon disclosed the emotional weight of the event, stating, “He’s very afraid.”
The Emotional Last Performance
Despite his fears, Ozzy performed at the final concert, which featured appearances from renowned artists including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Slayer. Fans were visibly moved, with many shedding tears during his performance. Ozzy acknowledged the emotional significance, saying, “This is it, this is the last thing. And I’ve accepted it.”
Conclusion
“No Escape From Now” provides a raw portrayal of Ozzy Osbourne’s journey, revealing his vulnerability and determination. As fans reflect on his legacy, the documentary shines a light on the profound impact he had on rock music and the love he cherished for his fans until the end.
