Ozzy Osbourne revealed what he wanted his legacy to be and how he wanted to be remembered before his passing.
The legendary Black Sabbath frontman died 'surrounded by love' at the age of 76 on Tuesday (July 22) morning, his grieving family confirmed in a statement.
The 'Prince of Darkness' founded the heavy metal band in 1968, which went on to shape the genre and inspire generations of bands, leaving behind an unmatched cultural legacy.
Tragically, Ozzy had been battling Parkinson's disease since 2019 as well as spinal chord injuries, but was able to bid farewell to his loyal fans just weeks ago at the 'Back to the Beginning' benefit gig in his hometown, Birmingham, UK on July 5.
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It was the first time the 'Prince of Darkness' returned to the stage alongside his original bandmates in 20 years where due to his ongoing health issues, sang to the masses while seated on a throne.
Fans understood it was to be his final live performance, but could not have prepared for Ozzy to pass a little over a fortnight later.
While the world mourns the loss of the rock icon, an interview from back in 2022 has resurfaced where Ozzy revealed how he wanted to be remembered.
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Speaking to PEOPLE, he said at the time: "Survival is my legacy."
The five-time Grammy winner continued: "I mean, I'm 73. People go, ‘Well, you're 70… why don't I throw the towel in?’ Why should I? People still want to buy my records. People still want to see me, so why should I? It motivates me to get off my backside and do something. I mean, if my career had gone down the toilet and I knew it was the end, I'd be pretty miserable.”
As for advice for others, he said to 'never give up' on your dreams.
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"If you’ve got a passion for something, you’ve got to find a way around it to carry on the passion," he added.
He also told The Guardian in 2018 that being remembered at all would mean so much to him.
"I’d like to be remembered for the work I did with Black Sabbath. I’m so proud of the music. But to be honest, just being remembered would be an achievement to me.
"I come from Aston in Birmingham, y’know? I used to play on bombsites… There’s a guy living in the house I grew up in, and they charge people £200 to sleep in the bedroom I had as a kid.”
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Announcing his death, Ozzy's family which includes his wife, Sharon Osbourne, said in a statement: "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’s privacy at this time."
Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello, who helped organize Ozzy's last hurrah, revealed the 'Back to the Beginning' benefit concert raised more than $190 million for Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorn Children's Hospice.
"You've no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart," Ozzy told delighted concert-goers at the end of the monumental gig.
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He leaves behind his wife, Sharon, and their children, Aimee, Kelly and Jack. He is also survived by Jessica and Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, as well as his grandchildren.
Topics: Ozzy Osbourne, Music, Celebrity, UK News, World News, Sharon Osbourne
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