The legendary Ozzy Osbourne might have performed what could be his last concert last weekend, but the Prince of Darkness refuses to fade quietly into the night. On Thursday, July 10, he made a thrilling announcement about his upcoming memoir titled Last Rites. According to a press release from Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group, this highly anticipated book, scheduled for release on October 7, promises to deliver a “shocking, bitterly hilarious, never-before-told story of Osbourne’s descent into hell,” a narrative that will surely captivate both fans and readers alike.
Continuing from his acclaimed 2009 memoir I Am Ozzy, this latest work will delve into the myriad of health challenges faced by the 76-year-old metal icon during recent years. This includes his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which played a significant role in his decision to retire from touring. The memoir will not only recount his struggles but will also highlight the resilience and spirit that have defined his extraordinary career in the world of rock music.
The press release announces, “At the age of sixty-nine, Ozzy Osbourne was enjoying a triumphant farewell tour, performing to sold-out crowds and receiving rave reviews globally. Then, in a shocking turn of events, he faced a health crisis.” This unforeseen disaster resulted in him going from hospitalization due to a finger infection to having to abruptly abandon his tour and public life, confronting near-total paralysis from the neck down—a harrowing experience that reshaped his journey.
In his characteristic straightforward manner, Osbourne expressed an unwavering determination to continue his musical journey despite the health setbacks. He stated, “People often ask me, ‘If you could relive your life knowing what you know now, would you alter anything?’ My answer is a definitive ‘no.’ If I had been clean and sober, I wouldn’t be the Ozzy everyone knows today. Had I chosen a conventional path, I wouldn’t be the Ozzy that fans love.” He added, “If my time ends tomorrow, I have no regrets. I’ve traveled the world, experienced so much, made mistakes, and achieved incredible things. But I’m not ready to leave just yet.”
>In addition to providing a candid look at Osbourne’s health battles, this memoir will also reflect on his remarkable life and career. It will cover his tumultuous relationship with his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, and reminisces about his wild adventures with fellow rock legends like Slash, Bon Scott of AC/DC, the late John Bonham from Led Zeppelin, and Keith Moon of The Who. The book will also share the poignant final moments he spent with Lemmy Kilmister of Mötley Crüe, alongside reflections on the unforgettable Back to the Beginning concert, streamed globally, where Ozzy reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for the last time, raising millions for charity.
>The announcement of the memoir comes shortly after Ozzy Osbourne and his original Black Sabbath bandmates graced the stage alongside a constellation of stars who celebrated his incredible legacy in his hometown of Birmingham, England. This once-in-a-lifetime concert featured performances from iconic bands such as Mastodon, Anthrax, Lamb of God, Alice in Chains, Gojira, Pantera, Tool, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and a remarkable supergroup with members from The Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more, all paying tribute to this rock legend.
>In addition to the memoir, Ozzy Osbourne is also making headlines with his charity initiative. He is auctioning off a collection of abstract paintings he created in collaboration with chimpanzees, with the proceeds going to Save the Chimps, a sanctuary in Florida dedicated to rescuing chimpanzees from animal testing facilities and zoos. This unique auction reflects both his artistic side and commitment to animal welfare.
>“I’ve never sold my paintings before, but these abstract collaborations I did with the talented chimpanzees from @SaveTheChimps are now available at Omega Auctions to raise funds for the sanctuary,” Osbourne shared in an Instagram post, where he was seen holding a banana while showcasing the vibrant canvases. “Each signed painting is named after one of my songs, and there are only five available, so place your bids for your favorites! The auction closes on July 17.” Click here to bid on the canvases.
>Be sure to check out the thrilling Last Rites trailer and the exciting announcement regarding the chimp painting auction below.
