Ozzy Osbourne's 'Last Rites': the rock legend's final word hits shelves this October

Just a few days after the passing of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, it has been announced that his final memoir, “Last Rites”, will be published posthumously on October 7 through Grand Central Publishing, a division of the Hachette Book Group. 

Osbourne, who died on Tuesday, July 2, at the age of 76, completed work on the memoir shortly before his death. 

The book offers a raw and unfiltered look into the final chapter of his extraordinary life - one filled with personal battles, musical triumphs and moments of reflection.

According to the publisher, “Last Rites” is “unflinching, brutally honest, but surprisingly life-affirming.” 

It captures Osbourne’s thoughts on ageing, illness and mortality, while also revisiting pivotal moments from his career and personal life.

The memoir dives deep into the health battles that plagued his final years - including a life-altering infection and a subsequent descent into near-total paralysis that forced him to retreat from public life. 

“At the age of sixty-nine, Ozzy Osbourne was on a triumphant farewell tour, playing to sold-out arenas and rave reviews all around the world. Then, disaster,” reads the publisher’s summary.

“Last Rites” recounts Osbourne’s final public performance - the “Back to the Beginning” concert - held just three weeks before his death.

In a full-circle moment, the show saw Osbourne reunite with his Black Sabbath bandmates in a globally streamed benefit concert that raised millions for charity. 

The book also revisits his famously chaotic - and loving - marriage to Sharon Osbourne, as well as legendary encounters with fellow rockers Slash, Bon Scott, John Bonham, Keith Moon and Lemmy Kilmister.

Osbourne reportedly reflects on the final moments he shared with Motörhead frontman Kilmister, offering intimate glimpses into friendships forged through the fire of rock 'n' roll excess.

In his unmistakable voice, Osbourne’s final reflections are as unapologetic as ever: “People say to me, if you could do it all again, knowing what you know now, would you change anything? I’m like, f** no. If I’d been clean and sober, I wouldn’t be Ozzy."

"If I’d done normal, sensible things, I wouldn’t be Ozzy… Look, if it ends tomorrow, I can’t complain. I’ve been all around the world. Seen a lot of things. I’ve done good… and I’ve done bad. But right now, I’m not ready to go anywhere.” 

Although Osbourne is now gone, his words - and legacy - live on.

“Last Rites” follows Osbourne’s earlier bestselling memoirs: “I Am Ozzy”, “Trust Me, I’m Dr. Ozzy: Advice From Rock’s Ultimate Survivor” and “Ordinary People: Our Story” (co-written with his family) 

Since news of his death broke, “I Am Ozzy” - often hailed as the most comprehensive retelling of his life - has reportedly rocketed back to the top of the charts, selling out on Amazon. 

That book chronicled his journey from a rough childhood in Birmingham, England, to international superstardom with Black Sabbath, and later, as a beloved TV personality on "The Osbournes".

It mixes outrageous tales -  like the infamous bat-biting incident - with deep moments of vulnerability as he addresses substance abuse, fame, loss and redemption. 

With “Last Rites”, fans will receive a final, intimate portrait of the man behind the myth - one who defined an era, shaped the sound of heavy metal and never stopped living life on his own terms.