“Death’s Been Knocking at My Door”: Ozzy Osbourne Found Peace in His Mortality and Legacy Before His Passing

Nearly three months after Ozzy Osbourne passed away and the music industry continues to mourn the death of the icon. With countless tributes pouring in for the legendary Black Sabbath singer, it seemed that Ozzy himself wanted to leave one last message to his fans in his upcoming memoir titled Last Rites. Looking back on his legacy in the music industry, Ozzy found peace in knowing he left his “mark on the world.”

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Although Last Rites won’t release until October 7th, The Times received an early copy and decided to share an excerpt from the book. And while performing his last concert with Black Sabbath at the Back to the Beginning concert just weeks before his death, Ozzy found peace with his life. “Death’s been knocking at my door for the last six years, louder and louder. And at some point I’m gonna have to let him in. The funny thing is, I used to worry more about my mortality when I was younger.”

Having battled several illnesses over the last few years, Ozzy considered his life nothing short of a “good run.” “It’s weird. You get closer to the end — the very thing you were scared of your whole life — and suddenly the weight’s lifted off you. Not that I’m ready to go. But I’ve had a good run. I think I made a mark on the world. And I’m glad I didn’t check out early, like so many others.”

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Ozzy Osbourne Shared His Last Wish Before Death

While at peace with his life, Ozzy still had fears when it came to death. But unlike others, it didn’t surround his own mortality – but his wife, Sharon Osbourne. “The only conversation I’ve had with Sharon was when we decided we wanted to be buried together. I’ve also said to Sharon, ‘Don’t you dare go before me!’ It’s my biggest fear now, Sharon leaving this world before I do. If she does, I won’t be too far behind.”

Ozzy noted how his family didn’t like the idea of him talking about death, but at the same time, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer wanted his last rites known. “When the end does come, I don’t want to be cremated. It’s like you were never here. You’re just a bag of dust. That’s not for me. I wanna make the flowers grow.”

Even in his final reflections, Osbourne’s words serve as a reminder of his indelible impact on music, family, and fans worldwide – ensuring his legacy will live on long after his his death.

(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)