Ozzy Osbourne Endured Five Years of Severe Struggles Before His Passing

Ozzy Osbourne encountered a tumultuous health battle in the years leading up to his death.

The iconic musician, who passed away at the age of 76 on July 22, had previously disclosed his fight against various health conditions, notably Parkinson’s disease, starting in 2019.

"It's been five years of absolute hell for me and my family," he revealed in a 2023 episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored. "My family has stood by me every step of the way. I couldn't have managed without their support. It's been an incredibly tough time."

His son, Jack Osbourne, elaborated in a joint interview that while many attributed Ozzy's health issues to Parkinson’s, several complications stemmed from a neck injury he sustained in 2019 following a fall. This incident was his second neck injury, the first occurring in 2000 from a bicycle accident.

"I just managed to get up and continue, but I had broken my neck and kept working through it," Ozzy reminisced. "Eventually, everything fell apart."

Despite these challenges forcing him to reduce his performing schedule, the Black Sabbath frontman managed to stage one final performance less than three weeks before his demise. On July 5, he performed a one-night-only concert alongside his bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, defying concerns about his health.

"It's difficult—I’ve been bedridden for such an extended period," Ozzy commented to The Guardian in May. "Lying on my back doing nothing erodes your strength. It feels like starting anew."

He added, "I’ll show up and give it my all. All I can do is be present."

In February, his wife, Sharon Osbourne, mentioned that Ozzy had hoped to perform one last time. The final show ultimately became his farewell.

"He's thrilled about performing again with the guys and being with all his friends. It's an exciting moment for everyone," Sharon told the BBC. "Ozzy didn’t get the chance to properly say goodbye to his friends and fans. This is his final farewell."