Sharon Osbourne has revealed the deeply emotional conversations she shared with her husband, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, in the days following his final performance in Birmingham — a show that left him humbled by an overwhelming wave of love from fans.
Just days before his death from a suspected heart attack at age 76 on July 22, Ozzy turned to Sharon and said quietly, “I had no idea that so many people liked me.” Sharon reflected, “Ozzy’s always been in his own bubble.”
The Back To The Beginning farewell concert marked Ozzy’s reunion with original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, an occasion Sharon described as “very, very emotional.” It was the first retirement show of its kind — streamed live, with proceeds going to charity. “It’s the perfect way to say goodnight when you’ve had such a long career,” Sharon said, adding that the choice of venue — Aston Villa’s home stadium — made the night even more special.
Sharon also cherished the fact that many long-time crew members were present backstage, making the night as poignant behind the scenes as it was in front of the audience. She had been planning the event for two years, selling 40,000 seats and attracting rock icons, though she had to turn away other bands due to time constraints. One highlight was Yungblud’s moving cover of “Changes,” which will be released as a single.
The BBC will air a one-hour documentary, Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, on August 18. Filmed over three years, it offers intimate access to the Osbourne family as they attempted to fulfil their dream of returning to the UK, while capturing Ozzy’s battle to regain the strength to perform despite severe health struggles. Kelly Osbourne poignantly remarks in the film, “Iron Man wasn’t really made of iron.”
Originally planned as a series documenting their move from the US to rural Buckinghamshire, the project evolved into a tribute to Ozzy’s enduring spirit as his health declined — a final chapter filled with music, humour, reflection, and the unbreakable bond between a rock icon and his family.
