EXCLUSIVE: Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne showed a softer and emotional side at a photoshoot with family and pals just days before the music icon died
Proud grandpa Ozzy Osbourne welled up with pride during his last photoshoot with many of his closest rock star pals and family – just 18 days before his death.
The rock icon told friends at the shoot the focus of his life “was dedicated to being with the family and grandchildren”. Emotional Ozzy told a raft of superstar performers that his grandson Sid will follow in his footsteps as an entertainer.
The 76-year-old had built a terrific bond with the two-year-old, whose mother is the Black Sabbath rocker’s daughter, Kelly. Friends of the star say Ozzy boasted that Sidney, who was born in November 2022, already showed signs of having musical talent during his visits. One musician, who asked not to be named, recalled how Ozzy “could not stop beaming as he spoke about Sidney and how he doted on the kid”. Ozzy had photos taken with family members and with Sidney on his lap taken by photographer and long term friend Ross Halfin on July 4. The gathering was a celebration and thank you for the acts, who’d agreed to appear in what would become the highest grossing charity show of all time.
There were also pics taken of Ozzy with the biggest stars from Rock and metal who would go on to appear alongside him in the Back To The Beginning show a day later at Villa Park. Lass than three weeks later, Ozzy would pass away.
The insider said: “Ozzy just loved boasting about Sidney’s talent and voice. There was a real bond between them when he had him on his lap fooling around and laughing. You could see at that moment, he was still Ozzy, but actually the smitten grandpa, whose child was his star. Ozzy had told many of the people there that Sidney would be the next generation of musician flying the flag for the family.
Ozzy’s pals have shed light on his final photoshoot(Image: Ross Halfin)
“They sang together at home. He said that being with family and being a grandfather was now his main focus in life. He loved all of his grandkids so so much. His loss will be hard for them.”
Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine along with Sharon were the driving forces of bringing the talent together. Bands and stars playing the bash included Steven Tyler, Metallica, Axl Rose and Slash of Guns N’ Roses, Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, Pantera, Tool, Grija, Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit and Jonathan Davis of Korn.
The doting grandfather spoke fondly of his grandchildren(Image: Kelly Osbourne/Instagram)
The photoshoot was filmed as part of the Ozzy documentary about Back To The Beginning on Paramount. The source added: “Ozzy was really touched to see so many big names to come out and support his farewell. As they praised him, he kept saying things like ‘I dunno what to f***ing say’. It was overwhelming really, but very powerful.”
Speaking to the Guardian in May, Ozzy also suggested after the gig his time would be spent away from the spotlight. He said: “It’s time for me to spend some time with my grandkids.
Sources say that Ozzy believed Kelly’s son has already shown signs of having talent(Image: Kelly Osbourne Instagram)
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Zoe
from NP22, United Kingdom
My brother made our house shake playing Black Sabbath when he was in his teens. I was not a fan at the time. It was years later when I grew to appreciate the music. Sending love to Sharon & the rest of the family. R.I.P. Ozzy, thanks for the memories
Zara isha lancashire
from BB5, United Kingdom
You was a great music legend in black Sabbath you did a lot of charity work you will be sadly missed our hearts go out to Sharon and all the entire family at this very sad time rest in peace Ozzy Osbourne
Wendy
from WA1, United Kingdom
I was a heavy metal fan all through my teens I even saw black sabbath in Manchester in the 70,s but sadly ozzy wasn’t with them he’d left . I loved ozzy he truly was memorable , funny , great musician and entertainer he will be sadly missed god bless him an his family xx
wendie ann
from NG8, United Kingdom
r.i.p ozzy u was a legand and will live in through u famliy and music
Victoria
from ST10, United Kingdom
The Babylonian prophecy came true a king will die. RIP King of rock Ozzie
Trina & Tich
from B60, United Kingdom
Ozzy the Brummie Legend… So so sad to hear of your passing…. Our love & thoughts go out to Sharon & the rest of the family. Back to the beginning, you came home, start all over up above with a new beginning… Play hard, party hard you’re now pain free ❤️
Steve
from SA10, United Kingdom
RIP Ozzy, your music will be around forever. Absolute legendary.
Sharon
from M34, United Kingdom
RIP Ozzy, you will always be the Prince of Darkness and a true legend, Sharon and family thinking of you all at this very sad time xx
Scarlett Hardiman
from DY13, United Kingdom
Thank you for the music ozzy & your sense of humour, your body may have died but your spirit will live on through your music forever, I hope that brings some kind of comfort to your wonderful family, my favourite song was Changes the one Ozzy sang with his daughter Ozzy xxx 🤘🏻🥰
Sarah P
from OL1, United Kingdom
R.I.P the prince of darkness. You will be missed. Now is the time to join the greatest band ever, unfortunately not one we will see
“I don’t want to die in a hotel room somewhere. I want to spend the rest of my life with my family.” Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now, covering the singer’s struggles with a series of health issues, will premiere on Paramount + in late 2025.
Ozzy died on Tuesday, his family confirmed in a statement sent from his hometown of Birmingham. The statement read: “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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”
