Join author Keith Kahn-Harris to explore The Beautiful Death of Ozzy Osbourne: How Metal Teaches Us to Live. A MUST for any metal fan!

The Beautiful Death of Ozzy Osbourne: How Metal Teaches Us to Live

Pioneering metal writer Keith Kahn-Harris presents a moving, visionary exploration of Ozzy Osbourne, and of metal music and culture: the potent legacy Ozzy left us.

What is a ‘good death’?

How about this: After years of terrible health, you gather friends and admirers for one last, glorious party. A couple of weeks later, you slip away, surrounded by your loving family. Then, the world comes to mourn. That is how Birmingham’s favourite son, Ozzy Osbourne, died.

By his death in June 2025 – at an age few believed he’d reach – Ozzy was much-loved, far beyond the metal world. Once a feared, demonic figure to some (and a joke to others), his Back to the Beginning farewell concert at Villa Park raised millions for charity.

In concise, arresting chapters moving from Death to Life via Art, Politics, Sex, Bodies, Voice, Family, Myth and more, Kahn-Harris explores how Ozzy – of all people! – attracted such generosity of spirit. The answer, he finds, is deeply embedded within the story and culture of metal – and has lessons for us all.

There will be copies of Keith's book on sale at the Festival. Keith's event will be followed by a dedicated book signing.

About the author:

Keith Kahn-Harris has been writing about metal since the mid-1990s and he is one of the founders of Metal Studies as a discipline. Alongside his scholarly work, he has written metal journalism for many years, most recently for The Quietus, alongside books on language, and Jewishness. He lives in north London.

Keith's image: Zoe Norfolk

Description supplied by the event organiser.