Ozzy Osbourne Wants Hilarious Last Words on His Tombstone
via @Ozzy Osbourne / YouTube
An epitaph is meant to be a final statement—often profound, poetic, or deeply personal. But for Ozzy Osbourne, it’s also a chance to make one last joke. In true Ozzy fashion, the words he wanted engraved on his tombstone weren’t some lofty quote or tribute. They were four crude, hilarious, and unforgettable words: “Bats taste like s***.”
This tongue-in-cheek declaration captures the essence of who Ozzy was both on and off stage. He never took himself too seriously, despite his iconic status in the rock world. Whether he was dodging critics or poking fun at his own legendary antics, Ozzy consistently brought humor into the darkest corners of his life.
The joke is bittersweet now that he’s gone. Though the official epitaph hasn’t been confirmed, fans around the world have embraced the quote as a perfect representation of his irreverent spirit. For someone who blurred the line between myth and man, these last words feel uniquely authentic—and unmistakably Ozzy.
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“Bats Taste Like S***”
The origin of the phrase comes from a candid 2020 appearance on Good Morning Britain. During the segment, Piers Morgan asked Ozzy what he’d want as his epitaph. With perfect comedic timing, Ozzy casually delivered the now-iconic line, making even the hosts laugh. His wife Sharon, clearly used to his offbeat humor, barely reacted—a silent nod to a lifetime of outrageous remarks.
That moment wasn’t just a laugh; it was a window into the way Ozzy processed his own mortality. He had just gone public with his Parkinson’s diagnosis, a condition he had battled privately for nearly two decades. Rather than dwelling in sadness, Ozzy leaned into his unique brand of comedy and embraced the absurdity of his legacy.
The comment has since taken on new meaning. Following the announcement of his death in July 2025, fans resurfaced the clip, and it began circulating widely online. Though his tombstone may not yet carry the phrase, many believe those four words will forever echo as his unofficial sign-off.
The Bat Incident That Defined a Legend
To understand why those four words hit so hard, you have to revisit one of rock’s most infamous moments. In January 1982, during a concert on his Diary of a Madman tour, Ozzy unknowingly bit the head off a live bat thrown on stage. He believed it was a rubber toy—until it started moving in his mouth.
The shocking incident became an instant legend, cementing Ozzy’s place in the annals of rock history. It was bizarre, grotesque, and unforgettable—everything a rock ‘n’ roll moment should be. And despite the rabies shots and public backlash, Ozzy leaned into the myth, turning what could’ve been a scandal into a calling card.
Years later, Ozzy reflected on the moment with typical dark humor. He admitted it wasn’t his proudest decision, but he also knew it played a role in shaping his reputation. “It’s rock ‘n’ roll,” he once told David Letterman, brushing off the horror with a smirk. That bat may have tasted awful—but it sure gave him a legacy.
A Legacy That Lives Beyond the Grave
When Ozzy’s family confirmed his death on July 22, 2025, fans around the world mourned the loss of a legend. But amid the sadness, there was a shared understanding: Ozzy wouldn’t have wanted a tearful farewell. He’d have preferred something bold, strange, and—most importantly—funny.
What his final resting place will look like remains to be seen. But whatever monument is chosen, it will surely reflect the chaos and charisma that defined his life. Whether it bears his infamous epitaph or something more traditional, it’s the spirit behind it that matters.
Because Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t just a frontman, a solo artist, or the Prince of Darkness. He was a storyteller, a showman, and a man who once turned a bat into rock’s most memorable punchline. If laughter is the best way to honor him, then “Bats taste like s***” might just be the most sincere tribute of all.
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