A documentary that captures the ‘moving and inspirational account of the last chapter’ of Ozzy Osbourne’s life will be released soon.
Last month the Black Sabbath frontman died aged 76 after suffering a heart attack, which followed a long battle with Parkinson’s and other health problems.
A week ago, he was farewelled with a funeral procession in his home city of Birmingham, with thousands turning out and lining the streets, happening just a few weeks after his band’s final ever show taking place at Villa Park.
At the time of his death Osbourne and his family were being filmed by cameras for a BBC series, which had started production three years ago.
But following his sudden death, the project has now been reworked into a one-hour long film.
Titled Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, the film will feature the heavy metal icon, as well as his wife Sharon and their children Jack and Kelly.
It will capture the ‘extraordinary roller-coaster of their lives as Sharon and Ozzy attempt to complete their long-held dream of moving back to the UK’.
However, they face challenges as Ozzy also ‘heroically battles to get fit enough to perform, and the family deal with the dramatic consequences of his ill-health’.
It’s been billed as being a ‘remarkably candid and uplifting tribute to one of the world’s true icons’, being full of ‘love, laughter and tears’ and plenty of unforgettable moments fans of the family have come to expect.
Speaking about the upcoming release, BBC’s head of commissioning for documentaries Clare Sillery said: ‘We are honoured 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 UK. It features family moments, humour, 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.’
Meanwhile, production company Expectation’s executive producers Ben Wicks and Colin Barr said it was an ‘incredible privilege’ to spend the past few years with the family.
‘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.’
When announcing Osbourne’s death, his family wrote: ‘It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.’
Soon after Osbourne’s death, a source close to the family said he was in peace at the time of his passing.
‘Sharon’s deepest hope was fulfilled, and this is her focus now. Ozzy’s final days were spent in England, surrounded by family, music and in the place he called home. He was in peace,’ they told People.
They added that his farewell concert ‘meant everything,’ and ‘brought his career full circle.’
During Black Sabbath’s show on July 5 in Birmingham – where they formed 56 years ago – he brought the show to a close with a powerful message.
‘It’s the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts,’ he shared while closing the show.
Osbourne – who had also been referred to as the ‘Godfather of Heavy Metal’ and the ‘Madman of Rock’ – had intended to continue recording music but died 17 days later.
Throughout his career, he sold more than 100 million albums and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist last year.
He also gained a new legion of fans when starring in the MTV reality show The Osbournes, which ran from 2002 until 2005.
Just a few weeks ago a screening was held for the documentary The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne, while Jack also recently revealed a film biopic about the musician was currently in the works at Sony Pictures.
Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home will air on August 18 at 9pm on BBC One.
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