Ozzy Osbourne’s Last Rites: A Glimpse into His Farewell Show
In his posthumous memoir, Last Rites, the legendary Ozzy Osbourne recounts the numerous challenges he faced leading up to his farewell concert, Back to the Beginning. The memoir sheds light on his fears and the contingency plans devised by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, in case he was unable to perform.
The Struggles of the Prince of Darkness
Ozzy, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, battled an array of health issues in his later years. Last Rites delves into these struggles, offering a candid look at the reality behind the musician’s final performance. In an excerpt shared by The Times, he humorously narrates a chaotic moment at the airport as his family was en route to Birmingham for the concert.
A Comedic Airport Incident
Describing the scene, Ozzy writes, “The cherry on top was when they made me get out of my wheelchair and ‘walk’ through the body scanner. I almost went through that thing arse over tit. Well… this is going smoothly, I thought.”
Growing Anxiety Before the Show
After arriving in England, Ozzy’s situation took a turn for the worse. “Three days after we finally got to England I was back in hospital,” he recalls. “My blood pressure kept me there for eight days, during which I had nothing to do but worry. Because the show kept getting bigger.”
The Weight of Expectations
The enormity of the farewell concert increased Ozzy’s anxiety. “As all these huge names were announced — Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith — I was like, holy f***, it’s gonna be like metal’s answer to Live Aid,” he reflects. “Lying in bed at night I’d be like, I can’t go, I can’t do this. I kept saying to Sharon, we’d better get a video made ’cos there’ll be an empty stage. She just looked at me like I was mad. She knows me better than I do. She knew I was just scared.”
Sharon’s Assurance and the Final Decision
In a pivotal moment, Sharon reassured Ozzy that he would take the stage, regardless of his performance ability. “Eventually Sharon said, ‘Look, there’ll be no backup plan. No video. No prerecorded anything. If you can’t sing on the night, just talk to the crowd and thank them. All you need to do is get up there and be Ozzy.’
Triumph at the Farewell Concert
Those who attended the Back to the Beginning concert witnessed the culmination of Ozzy’s determination. His solo act, alongside a reunion with Black Sabbath, proved to be a resounding success.
Reflecting on the moment he took the stage, Ozzy writes, “But as soon as the curtain went up I forgot about my nerves. Suddenly I was looking out over 42,000 faces, with another 5.8 million watching online. That was when the emotion really hit me. I’d never really taken it on board that so many people liked me — or even knew who I was. It was overwhelming, man, it really was.”
Conclusion
Ozzy Osbourne’s Last Rites not only captures the challenges he faced in his final days but also highlights the unwavering support of his family, particularly Sharon, in helping him overcome his fears. His farewell concert stands as a testament to his legacy as a musician and an icon in the rock world.
FAQs
What health issues did Ozzy Osbourne face in his later years?
Ozzy Osbourne struggled with various health problems, including complications related to his blood pressure, which are detailed in his memoir.
What was the significance of the Back to the Beginning concert?
The concert marked Ozzy’s farewell performance, featuring other iconic artists and symbolizing his lasting impact on the music industry.
How did Sharon Osbourne support Ozzy during this time?
Sharon provided emotional support and encouraged Ozzy to perform, assuring him that he only needed to be himself on stage, regardless of his ability to sing.
