Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now



Recently, I watched this on Amazon Prime. Was equally looking forward to it and dreading the experience. But I had to watch it. I would have gotten to it eventually regardless, but we all know why it suddenly became such a must-see documentary. At times, it felt like a really long, really, really depressing episode of The Osbournes where Ozzy dies at the end. But as a massive fan for 26 years of the man, I can honestly say, after watching this documentary, I have never been prouder of being a fan of someone.

To see the same guy from the early 2000's Osbournes episodes express such sorrow and regret as a crippled, Parkinson's-riddled old man, it makes you think. At least it made me think. Not to mention the same guy who bit the head off the bat and drank and did coke constantly, etc. Yeah, THAT guy got old and feeble, and eventually lost his ability to walk. This life is SO fucking temporary, Even for those of us who seem like we'll always be around, and in Ozzy's case, will never get old. And he did finally get old, seemingly over night. And before his time. One fall in the bathroom which led to a surgery that was not only unnecessary, but ultimately ruined everything for him. Stomping out the 50 year old fire that was Ozzy's epic career. But not immediately. Because some people don't call it quits so easily.

One scene that sticks out in my head, Ozzy sleeping on the couch while Sharon talks to the camera. He mumbles to himself in his sleep as Sharon wakes him. She explains to her confused husband "you were having a chat". He says "huh"? she repeats herself 3 or 4 times until finally giving up. He never heard what she said. Moments like that make it clear. Not only is the man's career over, but his very life seems to be wrapping up as he withers away on the couch like so many of us fortunate enough to make it to an old age.

During Ozzy's last few years on this planet, he was encouraged to do not only one more but two more solo albums. Obviously, he needed this as touring was out of the question, though in his mind, temporarily. A way of continuing to contribute as an artist so he could feel like he's still worth something. And in my opinion, these 2 albums are some of the best material he's put out in many years, which surprised me, because I'm not a huge fan of most of the post-90's stuff he's released. For Ordinary Man and Patient Number 9, he wasn't trying to ride the coattails of any specific trend or going through the motions just to fulfill contractual obligations. These were genuine Ozzy Osbourne albums which genuinely sounded like he enjoyed making them. Again, I found his more recent material before these to be disappointing, but he truly redeemed himself here, and that makes me happy.

After a 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction, which Ozzy was physically unable to perform at, the fire was reignited, at least enough to keep the man going for a little while longer. In Spring of 2024, Ozzy started talking publicly of regrets about original Sabbath drummer, Bill Ward not being involved in the final Sabbath album, 13, as well as the final Sabbath show from 2017. Of course another Sabbath album is out of the question because it always fucking is for some reason, but Ozzy made it clear his and Sabbath's legacy won't ever feel right unless it ends with ALL 4 original Sabbath members performing together one last time. So, now Ozzy has a goal. An end game which could give him the only thing he has left to shoot for: Peace.

Tony, Geezer and Bill agreed to take part in... something. It wasn't entirely clear what was going to happen at first, but it was eventually decided that a tribute show would be put on. An all day show involving countless big name metal bands with a main event of Ozzy doing a handful of solo songs, leading to the original Black Sabbath performing on stage together for the very last time. As we see him preparing over the next year, it actually starts to look unlikely that Ozzy will be able to make it for this as he's going down fast. The fire that kept this unstoppable legend going for so long was about to be extinguished. He can feel it. As Ozzy insists he's not even sure what he'll be able to do in a scenario where he actually makes it, you can see the disappointment and shame in his face. Ultimately, he decides that this is going to happen regardless of how he's feeling on this day.

In the end, Ozzy made it. He was able to perform one last time in front of his fans in his hometown to say goodbye and thank you for making him what he is. The king of an entire genre. An inspiration to those who hate themselves and their lives. Not to mention rich as a motherfucker. He did it! Ozzy finally closed the book on his career the exact way he wanted. In front of a large crowd with his Sabbath brothers.... and then, 2 1/2 weeks later, he died. This show will now forever hit differently. As bitter sweet as this whole thing originally was, those who attended are probably more glad than ever that they paid out their asses to go, because, well... he fucking died! Almost as if he was physically willing his own heart to go on beating long enough to do this. It meant THAT much! And after it was over, he could relax and finally let go. It's rare that such a perfect example of closure offers itself to such an amazing story.

I wish Ozzy could have gone on living and breathing and loving, and joking, and even sneaking in a couple drinks now and again. And as a fan, I will always wish he could have put out more music too. Although, it was intended. In fact, Ozzy's next goal was to do something with Paul McCartney, however, it was not to be. But holy shit, what a story! And leaving us so quickly after this huge, emotional show that he wanted so bad. Not to mention the 55 years leading up to it all. What a satisfying last hurrah this must have been... what a fucking story! 10/10