Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne candidly revealed his deep depression and contemplation of suicide following a botched neck surgery that severely impacted his ability to perform, a struggle detailed in the new documentary Ozzy: No Escape From Now. His family shared heartbreaking accounts of the unnecessary damage caused, attributing his declining mobility to the procedure rather than solely to his progressing Parkinson’s disease.
The iconic Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, whose powerful stage presence and enduring rock legacy have captivated fans for decades, faced an intensely personal battle in his later years. A new documentary, Ozzy: No Escape From Now, sheds light on the profound mental and physical toll a botched neck surgery took on the artist, revealing his struggles with severe depression and even suicidal thoughts.
The Devastating Impact of Botched Surgery
Following a significant fall in 2019, Ozzy Osbourne underwent neck surgery that his family now contends caused more harm than good. His wife, Sharon Osbourne, asserted that the use of surgical screws and metal plates was entirely unnecessary and “caused even more damage,” according to Fox News. This sentiment was powerfully echoed by their son, Jack Osbourne, who emotionally lamented, “That f—ing doctor just stripped him, you know, of his abilities to move.”
Jack further elaborated on the family’s frustration in the documentary, explaining, “The Parkinson’s is progressing, but the main problem is the nerve damage from the bad neck surgery.” He added, becoming visibly emotional, “It makes me so angry, because I felt like all this could have been avoided. It didn’t have to happen,” as reported by Entertainment Weekly. The family revealed that a secondary surgeon later confirmed the initial operation had been “overly aggressive.”
A Harrowing Battle with Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
The inability to perform, a core part of Ozzy’s identity, plunged him into a deep depression. In the Paramount+ film, the rock legend candidly shared the darkness he experienced. “The thought of not doing any gigs anymore – I went really into depression,” Osbourne stated. “I’m on antidepressants now, actually. because I was getting ready to off myself at some point.”
He further elaborated on these dark thoughts with a characteristic touch of gallows humor. “I’ll go [to suicide] in my head and I go, ‘What are you f—ing talking about?’ Because knowing me, I’d half-do it, and I’d be half-dead and …I wouldn’t die, you know. That’s my luck.” His wife, Sharon, also admitted, “Some days he wishes he was dead. He’s in so much pain, he can’t take it. He just wishes he could go.”
A Lifetime of Health Challenges
Ozzy Osbourne’s later health issues were not his first encounter with severe physical setbacks. His life was marked by a series of significant health battles:
- 2003: He sustained near-fatal injuries in an ATV accident.
- 2019: The fall leading to the controversial neck surgery.
- 2020: Publicly revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, though he had been diagnosed in 2003.
- 2022: Underwent multiple operations following the 2019 fall.
- September 2023: His last reported surgery occurred.
Despite these challenges, Ozzy maintained a defiant spirit, telling People Magazine in 2022, “I am determined to get back on stage even if I have to be nailed to a board and wheeled on. Survival is my legacy.”
The End of an Era: Tour Cancellations and a Final Performance
The spinal injury from the neck surgery ultimately forced Ozzy to cancel his 2023 European/UK tour dates. He conveyed his heartbreak to fans at the time, stating, “I am honestly humbled by the way you’ve all patiently held onto your tickets for all this time, but in all good conscience, I have now come to the realization that I’m not physically capable of doing my upcoming European/UK tour dates, as I know I couldn’t deal with the travel required.”
Even though his “singing voice is fine,” he admitted to remaining physically weak despite numerous treatments including three operations, stem cell therapy, physical therapy, and hybrid assistive limb treatment. Yet, he made one final appearance on stage as part of Black Sabbath’s farewell benefit concert, Back to the Beginning, on July 5, just weeks before his passing.
Ozzy’s Final Wishes: A Celebration, Not a Mope-Fest
Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22 at the age of 76. His family released a statement, saying, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
In a unique reflection of his personality, Osbourne had previously shared his wishes for his funeral in a 2011 column for The Times. He emphasized it should be “a celebration, not a mope-fest,” expressing indifference about the music but hoping for “pranks” like knocking sounds from inside the coffin or a video questioning his doctor’s diagnosis of death. “There’ll be no harping on the bad times,” he wrote, wanting it to be “a time to say ‘thanks.’”
An Enduring Legacy of Resilience
Despite his health struggles and personal battles, Ozzy Osbourne’s resilience and dedication to his craft never truly wavered. The new documentary, Ozzy: No Escape From Now, offers a raw and intimate look into the final, challenging years of a man who defied expectations, overcame immense obstacles, and left an indelible mark on music history. His story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure, even in the face of immense pain and profound loss.
