Ozzy Osbourne's autobiography, Last Rites , is the singer's second and final book. Released on October 7th, it was completed just days before his death on July 22nd, at the age of 76.
The book chronicles virtually his entire life, not only his decades-long marriage to Sharon Osbourne but also his health battles, as well as his return to the spotlight with the show Back To The Beginning .
In an interview with Blabbermouth , Jack Osbourne , Ozzy's son, spoke about the book, revealing that few family members had read it. "It's been a difficult time for everyone. For me, the last chapter is what made me reflect the most. He finished reading it a few days before he passed away."
“My father worked on Last Rites for a long time — working hard over the last three or four years. He always felt he needed to do a sequel to I Am Ozzy, because so much has happened in the 20 years since the book was released. From life after the TV show, to the Sabbath reunion, to the release of his last two albums and, finally, his health problems. It was important for him to capture all of that,” Jack confessed.
Jack reveals more details about Ozzy Osbourne's final days.
Jack also revealed that Ozzy was determined to give a “final goodbye” to his fans with the farewell show: “The truth is that my father fought hard to get on that stage in Birmingham on July 5th. Ozzy was determined to say goodbye to the fans, and that’s exactly what he did. He loved them deeply because they gave him the life he had. He always said he would have been nothing without their love and support. That last show was his way of giving back one last time.”
Finally, when asked what Ozzy wanted readers to take away from the book, Jack stated: “My father wanted people to smile, laugh, and feel love when they read it. He hated when people felt sorry for him. I know some fans will get emotional—it’s hard not to—but he couldn’t stand it when people cried in front of him or were sad around him. So, enjoy his words. Feel his energy. Remember who he will always be. And never stop loving him.”
Ozzy Osbourne died less than three weeks after his retirement from the stage, while participating in Black Sabbath 's farewell show , which took place on July 5th at Villa Park in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Approximately 40,000 people attended the event, with 5.8 million people watching the show online.
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