Ozzy Osbourne has announced the release of a new memoir, ‘Last Rites’, which will delve into the rock icon’s recent struggle with health issues as well as reflections on his career and personal life. The announcement comes following his triumphant final performance in Birmingham earlier this month as part of Black Sabbath’s farewell concert.
The book, set for release on October 7 via Grand Central Publishing/ Hachette Book Group, promises to be a raw account of the rock legends life. It focuses heavily on the serious health issues Osbourne has battled over the past decade. These include spinal injuries and multiple surgeries stemming from a 2003 ATV accident and his 2020 diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease- challenges that led to his decision to retire from touring.
Beyond his health, ‘Last Rites’ will explore key moments and relationships across Osbourne’s life and career, from his marriage to Sharon Osbourne to behind-the-scenes preparations for ‘Back to the Beginning’ farewell concert. The memoir will also recount his friendships and encounters with fellow rock icons, including Slash, Bon Scott, Keith Moon, and a poignant chapter on his final moments with Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister before his passing in 2015.
In a recent press statement about the memoir, Osbourne said: “People say to me, if you could do it all again, knowing what you know now, would you change anything? I’m like, fuck no. If I’d been clean and sober, I wouldn’t be Ozzy. If I’d done normal, sensible things, I wouldn’t be Ozzy. Look, if it ends tomorrow, I can’t complain. I’ve been all around the world. Seen a lot of things. I’ve done good… and I’ve done bad. But right now, I’m not ready to go anywhere.”
According to a release from publisher Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group the book, is the “shocking, bitterly hilarious, never-before-told story of Osbourne’s descent into hell”. The release added that the memoir is “unflinching, brutally honest, but surprisingly life-affirming”.
This will be Osbourne’s second memoir, following the critically acclaimed ‘I Am Ozzy’ (2009) which became a Sunday Times bestseller. The new release is expected to offer a deeper and darker, but ultimately hopeful, look at The Prince of Darkness – one of rock’s most enduring and complex figures.
Ozzy Osbourne’s announcement follows his emotional final appearance at the ‘Back to the Beginning’ farewell concert in Birmingham, where Black Sabbath performed alongside acts including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, and Rage Against the Machine.
MXDWN’s coverage of the highlights of the Black Sabbath Farewell Concert and Ozzy Osbourne’s final performance can be read here.
