For the first time since his death, Ozzy Osbourne’s sisters, Jean Powell (85) and Gillian Hemming (80), have spoken publicly about their grief and pride for the legendary BLACK SABBATH frontman. The sisters described Ozzy, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, as a “loving and funny” brother, fondly referring to him by his real name — John Michael Osbourne.
In an emotional conversation with the Mirror, the two sisters revealed how they stayed up all night reminiscing about their brother’s life and career after receiving the devastating news of his passing.
Jean recalled the last time they saw him in Birmingham during the city’s Freedom of the City ceremony, which honored Ozzy and BLACK SABBATH earlier this year.
“We saw him in Birmingham the other week when he and the rest of the band were given the freedom of the city,” Jean said. “It was upsetting because he could not stand up straight, but he was still our John, still cracking the jokes. To us he was our brother, not a celebrity, so it’s crazy to see the outpouring of love since his death was announced.”
She added that Ozzy never forgot his roots and made sure to stay in touch with his siblings.
“We just can’t believe he is gone and we won’t be getting another phone call or text from him. Every week without fail he would get in touch, either by phone or text, to ask how we were all doing and what was going on. Of the six siblings there’s only three of us left now — me, Gillian and our brother Paul.”
Jean revealed that Ozzy had been looking forward to returning to Birmingham once again.
“He was frail but it still came as a shock. He still had plans and things he wanted to do. We don’t know the details of his death, it’s still too early. It’s just so sad. I’m just thankful he died in England.”
She shared one of the last texts she received from him, sent during the historic “Back To The Beginning” concert on July 5, which marked the final performance of BLACK SABBATH’s original lineup at Villa Park: “He said he couldn’t believe all the crowds were walking down our old street to watch him perform. He was blown away. We had an executive box in the stadium, and when I saw the sea of people waiting to see our John I just broke down.”
Jean added: “In his last text to me, he said he would be coming to Birmingham again. He said ‘I can’t wait to come back.’ We were hoping to see him this week.”
Gillian, who lives in Redditch, Worcestershire, described her brother as someone who remained grounded despite his fame: “We were proud as punch about him and everything he achieved. But it never went to his head. What the public saw of John was exactly what he was like in real life. It wasn’t an act.”
Jean echoed those words, saying: “He was just our John. He used to make us laugh all the time. That’s what I’ll always remember.”
Ozzy Osbourne died on the morning of July 22 surrounded by family. His cause of death has not yet been officially disclosed, but he had been battling Parkinson’s disease and complications from a 2019 fall for several years. His family’s 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.”
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.