A new documentary titled “No Escape From Now” will provide an in-depth look into the monumental health setbacks Ozzy Osbourne has faced since 2019. The film will lead up to his decision to stage a farewell concert this summer in his hometown of Birmingham, England. Directed by Tania Alexander, the documentary will premiere on Paramount+ later this year.
The project began filming in 2022 while Osbourne was recording his latest album, “Patient Number 9.”
The film will capture events through his scheduled July 5 concert. Osbourne plans to take the stage one final time as a solo artist and with his original Black Sabbath bandmates. The documentary features appearances from notable individuals in Osbourne’s life.
His wife and manager Sharon Osbourne, 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 will all be included. Commentary from Billy Idol, Idol’s guitarist and Osbourne’s close friend Billy Morrison, Tool singer Maynard Keenan, and record producer Andrew Watt will also be featured. Osbourne’s health struggles have been significant over the past few years.
In 2019, he suffered a severe fall that aggravated a previous spinal surgery from an ATV accident. Multiple surgeries followed, leaving him mostly unable to perform live. In 2020, Osbourne disclosed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which has progressed to the point where he is unable to walk unaided.
Osbourne’s farewell concert and health journey
When he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, he remained seated and did not perform. “The last six years have been full of some of the worst times I’ve been through,” Osbourne said 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.”
Sharon Osbourne added, “This film is an honest account of what has happened to Ozzy during the last few years. It shows how hard things have been for him and the courage he has shown while dealing with a number of serious health issues, including Parkinson’s.
It’s about the reality of his life now. We have worked with a production team we trust and have allowed them the freedom to tell the story openly. We hope that story will inspire people that are facing similar issues to Ozzy.”
Earlier this month, Ozzy revealed his plans for the upcoming concert.
“I’m not planning on doing a set with Black Sabbath, but I am doing little bits and pieces with them,” he told SiriusXM. “I am doing what I can, where I feel comfortable.”
The concert will also feature performances by Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, and many others.