Ozzy Osbourne to Release New Memoir Last Rites: A Final, Unfiltered Look at the Prince of Darkness
Though Ozzy Osbourne has stepped away from the stage, the legendary rocker isn’t done telling his story. On October 7, the Godfather of Heavy Metal will release a brand-new memoir titled Last Rites—a raw, unfiltered journey into his life, career, and the personal battles that have shaped his decades-long reign in rock history.
For fans of Ozzy, this announcement is more than just a book release—it’s a farewell message from one of music’s most iconic and controversial figures. Having retired from touring due to his ongoing health struggles, including Parkinson’s disease and spinal issues stemming from past injuries, Ozzy has shifted his focus from the microphone to the pen (or, more likely, the tape recorder and trusted ghostwriter). But make no mistake: Last Rites promises to be every bit as loud, chaotic, and honest as his performances once were.
The Final Chapter—In His Own Words
This isn’t Ozzy’s first foray into memoirs. His 2010 autobiography, I Am Ozzy, became a best-seller, praised for its wild anecdotes and shockingly candid tone. But Last Rites goes deeper. According to those close to the project, this new memoir will cover not just the sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll—but the aftermath. The regrets. The reconciliations. The moments of fear and fragility that rarely get spotlighted in the world of heavy metal legends.
“I’ve done a lot of mad things in my life,” Ozzy said in a recent statement announcing the book. “Some of it was funny. Some of it was tragic. Some of it, I’m still trying to figure out. But this is me, telling it like it is—one last time.”
What to Expect from Last Rites
Last Rites will chronicle everything from Ozzy’s early days growing up in Birmingham, England, to his meteoric rise as the frontman of Black Sabbath—the band that single-handedly invented heavy metal. It will explore his struggles with addiction, his controversial firing from Sabbath, and his unexpected comeback as a solo artist in the 1980s, which spawned classics like Crazy Train and Bark at the Moon.
But this time, Ozzy reportedly takes a more introspective approach. While the outrageous stories will still be there—bat-biting, near-death experiences, and the infamous Alamo incident—Last Rites will also dive into his health struggles, his fears about mortality, and his reflections on fame and family. It’s expected to include heartfelt passages about his wife Sharon, his children, and his regrets over missed moments in their lives due to the chaos of his career.
Sharon Osbourne: “This Is Ozzy’s Truth”
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and longtime manager, has called the book “the most honest he’s ever been.”
“This isn’t about shocking people anymore,” Sharon told reporters during a press event. “This is about Ozzy looking back on his life without the mask. There’s no stage persona here. This is the man, not the myth.”
Fans can expect stories they’ve never heard before—both funny and heartbreaking. Ozzy is said to open up about his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, which has forced him to cancel multiple tours and spend more time offstage than he ever imagined. He’ll also reflect on losing friends and fellow musicians, like Randy Rhoads and Lemmy Kilmister, and how those losses have affected him over the years.
A Goodbye—But Not a Silence
Despite the reflective tone of Last Rites, Ozzy insists this isn’t necessarily a curtain call for his creativity. He’s hinted at working on new music from home and remains active in other projects, including collaborations with younger rock artists and his ongoing SiriusXM radio show, Ozzy’s Boneyard.
Still, there’s a sense that this memoir might be his final major statement—a way of closing the book on a life lived at full volume.
“I never thought I’d live past 30,” Ozzy has famously joked in the past. “Now I’m 75, and I’m still here. It’s mental.”
A Must-Read for Rock Fans
Last Rites will be published globally on October 7, with hardcover, audiobook, and digital versions all planned for release. The audiobook is expected to feature Ozzy himself narrating portions of the text, bringing his unmistakable voice—equal parts mumble, cackle, and heartfelt sincerity—to fans in a new way.
Pre-orders have already begun, with bookstores reporting high demand. For fans of Black Sabbath, heavy metal history, or simply great rock memoirs, Last Rites promises to be a must-read. It’s not just the story of Ozzy Osbourne—it’s a story about resilience, survival, and what happens when the stage lights fade but the spirit of rock lives on.
As Ozzy puts it in the book’s teaser line:
“I’ve cheated death more times than I can count. But this time, I’m ready to tell you the whole bloody story.”
Brace yourselves. The Prince of Darkness is about to reveal his final rites.
