Ozzy Osbourne shared insights regarding what he anticipated to be his final concert in a recent BBC documentary shot shortly before his death in July at the age of 76.
In the documentary titled Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, which debuted on Thursday, October 2, on BBC One, the iconic Black Sabbath vocalist spoke candidly about relocating back to England and his plans for his concluding performance.
“I’ve always wanted to return to England,” he stated. “I’m not an American. That was never my aspiration.”
The documentary captures Ozzy and his wife, Sharon Osbourne, as they get ready to move from Los Angeles back to Birmingham, England, ahead of his Back to the Beginning concert in July.
“I’ve always told Ozzy, ‘When you hit 70, that’s it. We’re done,’” Sharon, 72, revealed in the documentary.
Despite experiencing considerable physical discomfort during the move in May, Ozzy expressed joy about returning to his roots.
“I feel as if I’ve come back home,” he remarked. “This is where I belong.”
The remainder of the documentary focused on Ozzy’s preparations for his final concert, occurring just weeks before his passing.
“I haven’t performed on stage in over six years,” he acknowledged. “It will be an emotional experience, being my concluding ‘hot hell ride.’”
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003, Ozzy dealt with various health challenges leading up to his heart attack and passing earlier this year. Following a fall in 2019 where he broke his neck, he had surgery, but complications from loose screws and metal plates precipitated further interventions, leaving him in chronic pain and unable to perform as before.
The documentary revealed that relinquishing the tour lifestyle was one of Ozzy’s most significant struggles related to his health decline.
“The crowd’s energy is a transcendent experience,” he shared. “Nothing—no substances—compares to that feeling. For that brief moment, you feel like the king of the world.”
Although the last performance was executed flawlessly, Ozzy revealed one aspect he found troubling.
“Having to sit instead of running around the stage was a true challenge,” he lamented. “It was humbling to remain seated for nine songs.”
Later in the documentary, Ozzy and Sharon talked about their retirement plans, which were ultimately cut short by his untimely death.
“This is our final chapter. Finally, it’s our moment,” Sharon remarked. “No matter how long it lasts, this is ours. My existence without him isn’t truly my life. It’s not meant to be without him. We are inseparable.”
Ozzy shared a lighter note, mentioning he wished to start a vegetable garden if his legs permitted.
“Maybe I’ll grow some cannabis,” he joked while Sharon chuckled.
“Time is fleeting. But I’ve had a blast,” Ozzy reflected in a candid interview. “It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs. My life has been extraordinary, and if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home was initially set to premiere on August 18, but the BBC opted to postpone the airing following Ozzy’s passing.
“We extend our condolences to the Osbourne family during this tough time,” the BBC stated to Us Weekly. “We are honoring the family’s request to delay the release of this significant film.”
The documentary was originally intended to be part of a docuseries, but it was reconfigured as a standalone special after Ozzy’s death.
