Remembering Ozzy Osbourne: Insights from His Sisters

In the wake of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, his sisters, Jean Powell and Gillian Hemming, have opened up in their first interview, reflecting on the brother they cherished. In a heartfelt conversation with The Mirror, the sisters shared memories of Ozzy’s life, his accomplishments, and his enduring connection to family, despite the immense fame that surrounded him.

The Sisters Were in Attendance for Back to the Beginning

“We saw him in Birmingham the other week when he and the rest of the band were given the freedom of the city,” Powell revealed. “It was upsetting because he could not stand up straight, but he was still our John, still cracking the jokes.”

Powell reminisced about their last encounter with him during the concert at Villa Park. “I got a text off him as he drove down Lodge Road, where we used to live near the stadium. He said he couldn’t believe all the crowds were walking down our old street to watch him perform. He was blown away.” She continued, “We had an executive box in the stadium, and when I saw the sea of people waiting to see our John, I just broke down. We didn’t really get a chance to chat much because it was such a chaotic visit. But in his last text to me, he said he would be coming to Birmingham again. He said, ‘I can’t wait to come back.’ We were hoping to see him this week.”

The Sisters Remember Their Brother, John Michael Osbourne

“To us, he was our brother, not a celebrity, so it’s crazy to see the outpouring of love since his death was announced,” Powell expressed, reflecting on the public’s reaction to the Black Sabbath frontman’s passing. “We just can’t believe he is gone and we won’t be getting another phone call or text from him. Every week without fail, he would get in touch, either by phone or text, to ask how we were all doing and what was going on. Of the six siblings, there’s only three of us left now – me, Gillian, and our brother Paul.”

“He was frail but it still came as a shock,” Powell added. “He still had plans and things he wanted to do. We don’t know the details of his death; it’s still too early. It’s just so sad. I’m just thankful he died in England.”

Hemming shared her pride in her brother’s achievements. “We were proud as punch about him and everything he achieved. But it never went to his head. What the public saw of John was exactly what he was like in real life. It wasn’t an act,” she stated. Powell chimed in, “He was just our John. He used to make us laugh all the time. That’s what I’ll always remember.”

When asked to describe their brother in one sentence, Hemming said, “He was loving and funny. He was just great.” The sisters fondly recalled a memory of Ozzy “minding” supporters’ vehicles outside the Villa Park venue during matches. “He would wait until the final whistle went and then stood outside, pretending he had minded them the whole match,” Powell laughed.

The Legacy of Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne passed away just 17 days after his final performance with Black Sabbath. Tributes from the rock and metal community, along with fans from around the world, have poured in, celebrating the life of John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, who was 76 years old at the time of his passing.

Conclusion

The heartfelt memories shared by Jean Powell and Gillian Hemming illustrate the enduring bond they had with their brother, revealing a man who remained true to his roots, despite his celebrity status. As the world mourns the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, his legacy as a loving brother and an iconic musician will undoubtedly live on.

FAQs

What was Ozzy Osbourne’s real name?

Ozzy Osbourne’s real name was John Michael Osbourne.

How old was Ozzy Osbourne when he passed away?

Ozzy Osbourne was 76 years old at the time of his death.

What musical group was Ozzy Osbourne famously part of?

Ozzy Osbourne was famously the lead vocalist of the band Black Sabbath.

What impact did Ozzy Osbourne have on rock music?

Ozzy Osbourne is celebrated as one of the pioneers of heavy metal music, influencing countless artists with his unique sound and theatrical stage presence.

How did Ozzy Osbourne’s sisters describe him?

His sisters described him as loving, funny, and down-to-earth, emphasizing that he remained their brother rather than just a celebrity.