In his final interview, Ozzy Osbourne revealed that despite decades of health struggles and personal battles, he wanted to be remembered not for his wild antics but for his resilience and survival, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and music that inspired millions.

In what would become his final in-depth interview before his passing, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne reflected candidly on his life, career, and the legacy he hoped to leave behind.

Speaking with *People* magazine just weeks before his death in July 2025, the 76-year-old “Prince of Darkness” revealed a surprisingly vulnerable side and a message of perseverance that went beyond his wild stage persona.

Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England, Ozzy rose to fame as the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath in the late 1960s, pioneering the heavy metal genre with dark, haunting music that resonated with millions worldwide.

Yet despite decades of success, controversy, and near-fatal health battles, Ozzy never lost sight of what mattered most to him — survival, both physically and creatively.

In the interview, conducted in his Los Angeles home, Ozzy discussed his longtime struggles with addiction, Parkinson’s disease, and the 2019 fall that left him partially immobilized.

“It’s been a rough road,” he admitted. “But every time I thought I was down for the count, I came back. Survival — that’s the real story of my life.”

When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Ozzy didn’t focus on the wild antics or the shock rock moments that often made headlines. Instead, he emphasized resilience and the ability to keep going despite setbacks.

“I want people to know I fought to stay alive, to keep making music, to be there for my family,” he said. “That’s my legacy — not just the music, but the survival.”

Ozzy also reflected on his role as a family man, praising his wife Sharon, who managed his career and stood by him through thick and thin. “She’s my rock,” he said softly. “Without her, I wouldn’t be here.”

Throughout his career, Ozzy’s image was defined by wild stories — biting the head off a bat, erratic behavior on and off stage, and battles with addiction that made headlines for decades.

But in this final conversation, he sought to remind fans and critics alike that beneath the madness was a man who endured unimaginable challenges and kept moving forward.

The interview touched on his thoughts about his musical legacy as well. Ozzy expressed pride in helping create a genre that continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.

“Heavy metal is more than just loud music,” he said. “It’s about expressing your pain, your anger, your passion. I’m proud to be part of that.”

In recent years, despite worsening health, Ozzy remained active in music and public life.

His surprise reunion with Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi at the 2023 Birmingham Commonwealth Games was a poignant moment for fans and symbolized his enduring connection to his roots and his fans worldwide.

Ozzy’s candidness in this final interview painted a fuller picture of a man who survived countless personal demons and health crises, only to be remembered not just as the “Prince of Darkness,” but as a survivor whose spirit refused to be extinguished.

He died peacefully at his home on July 22, 2025, leaving behind a rich musical legacy and a deeply human story of endurance and love. For all the wildness that defined his career, it is this story of survival and resilience that Ozzy Osbourne wanted the world to carry forward.