Book Review: Last Rites

Release Date: October 7th, 2025

Ozzy Osbourne was supposed to be immortal. The rocker survived decades of drug and alcohol abuse along with numerous accidents. He was at death’s door many times, yet walked away battered and bruised, but still alive. Nothing could take him out. Even when he publicly revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, you knew he would pull through. But his death in July was a cruel reminder that he was human after all. The Prince of Darkness was finally laid to rest. Before his last goodbye, Osbourne chronicled his final years in his memoir, Last Rites. It’s a poignant, yet somber reflection on the highs and lows of his career. It also finds the rocker coming to terms with his past and his mortality.

Osbourne’s health issues weren’t a secret, but we didn’t know just how bad they were. He admits he didn’t want to reveal how bad things had gotten. He wanted to stay optimistic about returning to the stage, but eventually, he accepted that his touring days were over. Osbourne breaks down his numerous accidents and surgeries since 2019 in visceral detail. Multiple surgeries, broken bones, and lots of blood – it’s not for the squeamish. Most of it is difficult to read. The surgery details are unpleasant, but it helps you realize what bad shape he was in. He wasn’t kidding when he described himself as being held together by metal and screws. It’s a miracle he was able to run around on stage for as long as he did.

The rocker also reflects on his chaotic career, covering areas fans know well – humble beginnings, getting kicked out of Black Sabbath, biting the heads off of animals, and the death of Randy Rhodes. Yet, he discusses how these moments impacted him, especially the death of Rhodes, which haunted him for the rest of his life. He also opens up about his marriage to Sharon Osbourne, admitting he wasn’t the best husband. When he wasn’t blind drunk, he was unfaithful or wholly absent. As he shares what he remembers of his career, it feels as if he’s trying to make amends with people he feels he’s wronged – his wife, his family, even peers like Jake E. Lee and Bill Ward. He regrets some of his bad behavior and even apologizes for it in some cases, but ultimately finds peace with his past.

As we approach his final gig at the end of the book, it’s clear Osbourne has made peace with his fate. He’s accepted his death but just wanted to play one last show to thank his loyal fans. The physical therapy, medication, and numerous surgeries led up to this point. Despite this, many, including Osbourne, doubted whether he could make it that long. When he does make it to that stage, it’s bittersweet. It’s a triumphant return to where he feels most at home, but it was the last time he would take his rightful place on stage. We knew the “Back to the Beginning” concert was Osbourne’s last performance; we didn’t know it would be his final goodbye.

Last Rites is a sad, haunting look at the last days of a rock icon. Osbourne reflects on his most difficult years with the same brash humor, wit, and brutal honesty we’ve come to love. Still, it’s a difficult read filled with lots of pain, both physical and emotional, regret, and heartache. It’s even harder to finish in the aftermath of his death. Yet, it’s strangely comforting knowing he went out on his own terms. He made peace with his family and with his inevitable death. He just wanted to make it to that last show. Once it happened, he gave his final bow and waved goodbye one last time.

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