Jack Osbourne has spoken publicly for the first time about the moment he discovered his father Ozzy Osbourne had died. The television personality and podcaster recalled the early morning knock on his door that delivered the devastating news in the latest episode of his podcast.
Jack explained that he woke up at around 3:45 a.m. to hear someone at his front door in Los Angeles. When he realised it was a long-time employee of the family, he immediately knew something was wrong. The visitor’s expression, he said, told him all he needed to know even before the words were spoken. Moments later, Jack was told that his father, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman, had passed away.
Ozzy Osbourne died on 22 July at the age of 76 after years of battling serious health problems. His struggles with Parkinson’s disease, spinal injuries, and heart issues had been widely documented. Jack said there was sadness but also a sense of peace, as the family knew how much pain Ozzy had been living with in recent years. He described the final months as a gift, allowing more time to share memories and conversations that might otherwise have been missed.
The weeks that followed his death saw an outpouring of tributes from around the world. Thousands lined the streets of Birmingham for a funeral procession through the city that shaped Ozzy’s early life and career. Fans held banners, lit candles, and played Black Sabbath tracks in honour of the man who helped pioneer heavy metal music. For Jack, those moments brought comfort. He said the global show of respect helped the family feel less alone and gave them strength to cope with their grief.
Jack also admitted to feeling protective of his father’s reputation in the aftermath of his death. He responded angrily to comments made by Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters, who had publicly downplayed Ozzy’s musical impact. Taking to social media, Jack condemned the remarks as insensitive and insisted his father’s influence on rock music was undeniable. He said the fact that millions of people turned out to celebrate his father’s life spoke for itself.
Ozzy’s final public performance added further poignancy to the story. On 5 July, just 17 days before his death, he reunited with fellow Black Sabbath members for a farewell concert in Birmingham. The show, billed as Back to the Beginning, doubled as a charity event. Despite his frail health, Ozzy appeared on stage seated on a throne, determined to give fans one last glimpse of the energy and charisma that made him a global icon. Jack said that concert would forever be remembered as a fitting farewell to a man who never stopped performing for the people who loved him.
The Osbourne family is now adjusting to life without its larger-than-life figurehead. Jack said they are grateful for the overwhelming support, not only from fans but also from friends and colleagues who knew Ozzy personally. He described the loss as immeasurable but said his father’s legacy is secure through his music, his family, and the millions who will keep his memory alive.
