Imagine standing in the shadow of a legend, knowing it’s the last time you’ll ever see them shine. That’s exactly what Jack Osbourne experienced during his father Ozzy’s final concert—a moment so raw and emotional, it’s hard not to feel it in your bones. But here’s where it gets even more heart-wrenching: Jack now calls that performance a 'living wake,' a term that’s as poignant as it is controversial. Was it a celebration of life or a bittersweet goodbye? Let’s dive in.
Published on October 6, 2025, Jack Osbourne opened up on Good Morning America about the profound loss of his father, Ozzy Osbourne, and the unexpected beauty of their final moments together. In a conversation that tugged at heartstrings, Jack revealed how Ozzy, once famously known for his wild lifestyle, was clean, sober, and in high spirits toward the end of his life. This transformation was so striking that Jack couldn’t help but choke up, recalling how Ozzy had once joked, 'If I were clean and sober, I wouldn’t be Ozzy.' And this is the part most people miss: the irony of Ozzy finding peace in the very state he once resisted.
During Ozzy’s final performance on July 5, a tribute concert that now feels like a historic milestone, Jack shared a deeply personal moment. Backstage, he rushed to his father’s dressing room, embraced him tightly, and whispered, 'Crush it,' through tears. It was a goodbye disguised as encouragement, a moment Jack now cherishes as a 'living wake.' But what does that phrase really mean? Was it a chance for Ozzy to say farewell to his fans and family on his own terms, or was it a way for his loved ones to process the inevitable? Here’s the controversial question: Can a concert ever truly double as a wake, or does it blur the lines between celebration and grief?
Jack also shed light on how his mother, Sharon Osbourne, is coping with life without Ozzy. 'She’s okay, but she’s not okay,' he said, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who’s ever lost someone dear. It’s a reminder that grief isn’t linear—it’s messy, it’s complicated, and it’s deeply personal.
Ozzy passed away on July 22, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. But it was during that final concert that Jack and his brother truly felt the weight of the moment, crying backstage as they watched their father perform for the last time. Here’s where it gets even more emotional: They knew it was the end, yet Ozzy’s passion for his craft and his family shone brighter than ever. He wanted to be remembered not just as a rock legend, but as a man who loved his job and his family fiercely.
So, here’s the question that lingers: Is a 'living wake' a beautiful way to honor someone’s legacy, or does it risk turning a personal goodbye into a public spectacle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
