Navigation

© Zeal News Africa

Shock: Ozzy Osbourne Documentary Abruptly Pulled Hours Before BBC Premiere

Published 2 weeks ago3 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Shock: Ozzy Osbourne Documentary Abruptly Pulled Hours Before BBC Premiere

A BBC documentary titled "Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home,"intended to provide an intimate look into the final three years of the legendary rock icon's life, was abruptly pulled from schedules just hours before its anticipated air date on Monday, August 18. This last-minute cancellation left the film, which was due to air on BBC One and iPlayer at 9 PM, shrouded in mystery. A BBC spokesperson confirmed that the film had “moved in the schedules” and that “new premiere details will be shared in due course,” replacing it with “Fake or Fortune.”

The documentary chronicled Ozzy’s final years, during which he and his wife Sharon planned their return home to the UK after 25 years in Los Angeles.It was also set to capture Ozzy’s preparations for his ultimate farewell gig. Tragically, the docuseries, featuring Sharon and their children Kelly and Jack, was never fully completed before Ozzy’s death at age 76 on July 22, just weeks after his final performance. Initially pitched as a chronicle of the Osbourne's return to England, a concept that evolved from an earlier reality show idea called "Home to Roost," the film’s focus shifted as Ozzy's health deteriorated due due to Parkinson's disease and a series of neck and spine surgeries.

BBC says it delayed Ozzy Osbourne documentary at family's request | Ozzy  Osbourne | The Guardian

Photo Credit: The Guardian

Despite his significant health challenges and constant pain, Ozzy was fiercely determined to perform one last time for his fans. His doctors finally cleared him to travel home and perform at the farewell gig in Birmingham. Sources revealed that he undertook singing lessons almost every day in preparation for what he intended to be a spectacular final show, driven by a deep desire to thank his fans for the amazing life he and Sharon had shared. The documentary was intended to show his heroic fight to get fit enough, capturing his remarkable resolve, blistering honesty, and razor-sharp sense of humor.

The Sun was present to witness this historic final show at Villa Park in Birmingham.Ozzy opened up to the emotional crowd, confessing, “I don’t know what to say, man, I’ve been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart. You're all f***ing special. Let's go crazy, come on.” He performed five songs in his solo set, concluding with "Crazy Train" as confetti rained down. After a brief interlude, he rejoined Black Sabbath on stage for the first time in 20 years, performing some of their greatest hits, culminating in a rendition of "Paranoid."

BBC Pulls Ozzy Osbourne Documentary Chronicling Rocker's Final Years Just Hours  Before Scheduled Airing

Photo Credit: Billboard

In his last ever interview with RadioX, Ozzy expressed the profound significance of this “final encore,” stating, “It’s my final encore; it’s my chance to say thank you to my fans for always supporting me and being there for me.” He emphasized his appreciation for his fans and the importance of performing in Birmingham, his hometown, where he recalled childhood memories of watching football at the Aston Villa stadium. Amidst the poignant moments of the gig, his daughter Kelly revealed her engagement to boyfriend Sid Wilson backstage.

The film was described as a moving portrait of the family, highlighting the palpable strength of Ozzy and Sharon’s love and their children’s devotion, alongside their acceptance of Ozzy becoming increasingly unwell. Executive producers Ben Wicks and Colin Barr noted that beyond his music, mischief, and honesty, Ozzy’s intense love for his exceptional family shone through. The BBC’s head of documentary commissioning,Clare Sillery,expressed hope that the film would bring comfort and joy to Ozzy’s fans as they remembered and celebrated his extraordinary life.

Recommended Articles

Loading...

You may also like...