Legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has made a powerful return to the music scene with a stirring new release, captivating fans old and new. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne has announced what is likely his final studio track, “Gods of Rock N Roll,” in collaboration with longtime friend and guitarist Billy Morrison and Steve Stevens of Billy Idol fame. First aired on SiriusXM’s “Ozzy’s Boneyard” on February 14, 2025, the orchestral rock ballad quickly gained attention for its cinematic grandeur and emotional depth. Featuring a 61-piece Budapest Scoring Orchestra and a full choir, the track is a reimagining of Morrison’s original 2015 song “Gods,” now transformed into a dramatic farewell that resonates with the weight of legacy and mortality.
Ozzy revealed that he and Morrison had written the lyrics ten years earlier, and he had always believed the track deserved orchestral treatment. Morrison finally brought that vision to life, saying the team breathed new life into the song, creating “a huge emotive ballad.” Shortly after the orchestral release, a stripped-down version of the track was released on July 1, 2025, focusing on acoustic guitar and Ozzy’s gravelly, poignant vocals. A haunting lyric video accompanied this second version, which brought a quiet intensity to the song, laying bare its raw emotional power. For fans and collectors, a limited-edition gold vinyl featuring both versions of the song was released through TLG|ZOID/Virgin Music, adding a tangible keepsake to this emotional milestone.
Listeners across platforms have welcomed Ozzy’s return. While previous solo hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” have earned hundreds of millions of streams, “Gods of Rock N Roll” climbed quickly onto Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart even before its official release. This speaks volumes about the timelessness of Ozzy’s appeal. His fanbase, which spans generations, has shown unwavering support, and the track’s orchestral arrangement has earned critical acclaim from major outlets including Consequence, Blabbermouth, and Louder Sound.
The release of “Gods of Rock N Roll” follows a turbulent period in Ozzy’s life, marked by health struggles including advanced Parkinson’s disease and multiple surgeries. Despite these challenges, he performed one last time at the Black Sabbath charity concert titled “Back to the Beginning” on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England. Although confined to a throne-like chair on stage, Ozzy’s voice remained strong, and the crowd erupted in emotion as he sang. The event featured performances from rock giants like Metallica, Tool, and Guns N’ Roses, and raised over £140 million for Parkinson’s research, children’s hospitals, and hospices in the UK. Fans and critics alike described the show as a deeply emotional and historic farewell.
Sadly, just over two weeks later, on July 22, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. His final single, “Gods of Rock N Roll,” now stands as both a triumphant return and a heartfelt goodbye. It serves as a reminder of his unmatched presence in the world of music, and the lasting impact he had on rock and metal culture. The stripped-down version especially captures the emotional honesty that made Ozzy not just a performer, but a storyteller whose voice could move millions.
To honor his life and legacy, a big-screen version of his final concert is also set to hit theaters, offering fans a last chance to witness the legend in his element. Whether blasting orchestral rock or singing softly with acoustic backing, Ozzy Osbourne’s voice remains etched in the hearts of millions, a voice that may have grown quieter with age, but never lost its power.
