Ozzy Osbourne faced numerous health challenges leading up to his death in July, revealing through the new Paramount+ documentary “Ozzy: No Escape From Now” the depths of his struggles. The iconic rock star, known for his candidness, shared that the prospect of no longer touring plunged him into a period of severe depression. He candidly admitted to contemplating suicide, stating, “I’m on antidepressants now, actually. Because I was getting ready to off myself at some point.”
Following a 2021 surgery intended to rectify complications from an earlier procedure, Osbourne’s situation worsened significantly. He humorously reflected on his suicidal thoughts, saying he feared the execution would fail, leaving him “half-dead.” His wife, Sharon Osbourne, confirmed how excruciating the experience was for him, recalling, “Some days he wishes he was dead. He’s in so much pain that he can’t take it.”
In 2019, Ozzy endured a devastating fall that resulted in a broken neck. He described the immediate understanding of having inflicted serious damage on himself. Although surgery was performed to mend his injuries, troubles persisted. Their son Jack noted that after the operation, his father became worse than before. Kelly, Jack’s sister, added a harrowing image of her father’s deterioration, likening his posture to that of Gollum from “The Lord of the Rings.”
The surgery involved inserting screws and metal plates, which later became loose, aggravating his condition. Complications like blood clots in the hospital further compounded his suffering, leading to unbearable pain that persisted for months. “It’s a pain that no matter what you do it’s always there,” Ozzy shared, highlighting the mental toll such agony can take.
In a twist of fate, after years of intense pain and multiple surgeries, he discovered that his original treatment was perhaps too severe. A later evaluation led to a corrective operation, but Ozzy’s struggles fueled a deep depression, exacerbated by the cancellation of his farewell tour. “You get off your back, you climb up that mountain again, you get to the top and you get kicked back down,” he lamented.
Despite the hurdles, Osbourne managed to find moments of joy in his career. After the corrective surgery in 2021, he returned to the studio to record his final solo album, “Patient Number 9,” and made appearances at significant events, including the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Tragically, Ozzy passed away at the age of 76 from a heart attack, just weeks after performing his last concert in Birmingham. Reflecting on this final show, he expressed a mix of gratitude and emotion, acknowledging the journey he shared with his wife. “We’ve done a lot of miles together, me and my old girl. This is it. This is the last thing. And I’ve accepted it,” he said.
“Ozzy: No Escape From Now” is set to premiere on Paramount+ on October 7, offering fans a poignant glimpse into the resilient spirit of a rock legend who, despite immense trials, left a lasting impact on music and culture. For those grappling with similar struggles, it’s essential to reach out for help; the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be a crucial resource.