The BBC is set to air a new one-hour documentary, “Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home“, which offers an intimate look into the final chapter of the late rocker’s life. The film, which will premiere on BBC One and the iPlayer on August 18 at 9 p.m. U.K. time, documents the last three years of Ozzy’s life with unprecedented access to his family.
“Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home” captures the emotional journey of Ozzy and his wife, Sharon, as they prepare to move back to the United Kingdom from the United States, a dream the couple had held for a long time. The documentary also chronicles Ozzy’s valiant fight to regain his health in the face of numerous physical setbacks, culminating in a poignant and powerful final performance.
Against considerable odds, Ozzy took to the stage on July 5 in his hometown of Birmingham for a homecoming gig. He performed a set with his solo band, followed by an emotional finale with Black Sabbath. The performance, described by the BBC as “defiant, mischievous, giving the fans what they want,” became his final public appearance. Just over two weeks later, Ozzy passed away at his home, surrounded by his family. His death certificate later confirmed the cause as a heart attack, with coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease as contributing factors.
The film, which was originally conceived as a series titled “Home to Roost“, evolved into a single documentary as Ozzy’s health deteriorated. Executive producers Ben Wicks and Colin Barr of Expectation said: “It was an incredible privilege to spend the last few years with Ozzy, as well as Sharon, Jack and Kelly. Ozzy wanted to make it back to the U.K. and appear on stage one last time — our film is an inspiring and poignant account of him fulfilling that dream. Ozzy was loved by millions around the world not just for his music, but for his sense of mischief and his honesty all of which we saw plenty of in the final years of his life. But one thing shone through even more brightly to us, and that was Ozzy‘s intense love for his exceptional family who were by his side through it all.”
The documentary promises to be a moving tribute to the icon, filled with laughter and tears. Kelly Osbourne is featured in the film, reflecting on her father’s resilience with a heartfelt comment: “Iron man wasn’t really made of iron.” Clare Sillery, the BBC’s head of commissioning, documentaries, expressed her gratitude to the family, saying: “We are honored to have had the opportunity to film with Ozzy and his family. The film captures an intimate glimpse into their journey as they prepare to return to the U.K. It features family moments, humor, reflection and shows the enduring spirit that made Ozzy a global icon. We hope it brings comfort and joy to Ozzy‘s fans and viewers as they remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.”
