An upcoming documentary about Ozzy Osbourne’s health setbacks in recent years and his desire to stage a farewell concert will still arrive later this year despite the heavy metal legend’s death Tuesday.
No Escape From Now, described as “a deeply personal portrait of the rock legend’s harsh new realities and his battle to take the stage for one final performance,” will hit Paramount+ this autumn, a rep for the filmmakers confirmed to Rolling Stone.
“We are truly heartbroken to hear the news of Ozzy’s passing,” Phil and Tania Alexander, the creative team behind No Escape From Now, said in a statement.
“Filming with him, Sharon, Aimee, Kelly and Jack for the last three and a half years will always be a cherished and remarkable experience – largely because we got to regularly witness Ozzy’s indomitable spirit, his mischievous, irresistible grin and his masterful display of unique one-liners. We will always love you dear Oz. And we send love and strength to Sharon and her family.”
In addition to its access to Osbourne, the film features appearances by Osbourne’s wife and manager, Sharon, as well as several musicians who have played with him over the years: Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, guitarist Zakk Wylde, Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan, and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. It will also feature commentary from Billy Idol, Idol’s guitarist and Osbourne’s close friend Billy Morrison, Tool singer Maynard James Keenan, and record producer Andrew Watt.
No Escape From Now also filmed footage at Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning farewell concert earlier this month, a rep for the film said. A rep declined to comment on what changes, if any, would be made to the film in light of Osbourne’s death.
“The last six years have been full of some of the worst times I’ve been through,” Osbourne previously said of the documentary in a statement. “There’s been times when I thought my number was up. But making music and making two albums saved me. I’d have gone nuts without music. My fans have supported me for so many years, and I really want to thank them and say a proper goodbye to them. That is what the Villa Park show [in Birmingham] is about.”
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The documentary is one of a handful of projects Osbourne had in the works prior to his death at the age of 76, just weeks after his triumphant farewell show in Birmingham, England. The singer’s now-posthumous memoir Last Rites, which also focuses on his health issues, is set to publish in October, while a concert film centered on Back to the Beginning will hit the big screen in 2026.
From Rolling Stone US
