The feature-length documentary Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now will debut on Paramount+ later this year.
The documentary, directed by Tania Alexander, chronicles Osbourne‘s six-year struggle to recuperate from a devastating 2019 fall; it is described as “an intimate look into the 76-year-old rock legend’s personal life since the injury that has colored much of his life in the years since.” Osbourne announced in 2023 that he had been forced to permanently cancel the European leg of his No More Tours II outing and retire from touring after a series of health problems which he damaged his spine. That incident was followed by diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease, and emphysema.
A press release announcing the project read: “This is Ozzy Osbourne like you’ve never seen before: an honest, warm and deeply personal portrait of one of the greatest rock stars of all-time, detailing how the singer’s world shuddered to a halt six years ago, forcing him to contemplate who he really is, confront his own mortality and question whether or not he can ever perform on stage for one last time. Addressing his health issues and impact of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, the film showcases the central role music continues to play in Ozzy’s life – also proving his mischievous sense of humor remains resolutely intact despite it all.”
In a statement, Osbourne said: “The last six years have been full of some of the worst times I’ve been through. 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.”
According to the press release, director Alexander began filming the doc in 2022, during recording sessions for Ozzy’s Patient Number 9 album. The cameras will continue to film into this summer as Osbourne prepares to take the stage for what he will be his final performance with Black Sabbath on July 5. Ozzy said of the event: “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 is about.”
The documentary will also feature Ozzy’s wife/manager Sharon Osbourne and the couple’s children, as well as many of the singer’s friends and bandmates, including: Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Billy Idol, Maynard James Keenan (Tool), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), guitarist Zakk Wylde, producer Andrew Watt and friend/musician Billy Morrison.
Sharon Osbourne shared: “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.”
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