Ozzy Osbourne, the accidental rock star
At Regent Sounds Studios in London's Denmark Street four musicians from Birmingham recorded seven songs in 12 straight hours then went to the pub. Their name had been Earth, and before that The Polka Tulk Blues Band. When the album hit the streets the following year, on Friday 13 February, they were Black Sabbath.
On the microphone was 20-year-old John 'Ozzy' Osbourne. He had grown up in Aston playing on bombsites, left school at 15 after suffering sexual abuse from two boys, and worked as a labourer and in a slaughterhouse. At 17 he was in prison for robbery ('I was no good at that. Fucking useless.') But by 18 had placed an ad reading 'Ozzy Zig Needs Gig – has own PA', met bassist Terence 'Geezer' Butler, and joined the band that would make him famous.
The album shifted the tectonic plates of music. Its title track 'Black Sabbath' hammered a pile driver through speakers more used to the skippy, jangly sounds of the 1960s. The opening tritone riff (the Devil's interval) delivered a deep, doomy, industrial punch from instruments tuned down to make them bigger, fuller and darker. And over it all Osbourne's banshee, nasal vocals brayed prophetic lines of a 'big black shape with eyes of fire… watches those flames get higher and higher'.
Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin had released debut albums in 1968 and 1969 respectively. Their hypnotic new sound was hard rock. Like Black Sabbath they were rooted in blues and jazz. But it was Osbourne's band which sculpted a foreboding, menacing, thunderous soundscape that gave them the laurels for pioneering heavy metal.
Black Sabbath followed up with the album Paranoid. Its opening track was the bombastic, operatic, jarring 'War Pigs', followed by the quintessentially angst-filled and headbangable title track that was to become the band's calling card. Osbourne sang on six more albums before being fired in 1979 for drug- and alcohol-induced unreliability.
Undeterred, Osbourne launched a solo career which became legendary for the big-haired and musically outstanding guitarists Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee and Zakk Wylde. While Osbourne never quite looked comfortable on stage stomping about yelling 'Let's go fucking crazy!', it did not stop the fans loving his intensity and the pounding energy of songs like 'Bark at the Moon', 'I Don't Know' and 'Mr. Crowley', which all became stadium classics.
In 1982 Osbourne was performing in Des Moines, Iowa when a fan threw a rubber bat on stage. Osbourne – always ready for antics – snatched it up and bit off its head. Only then did he realise it was a real bat, and spent the evening after the gig in hospital getting a rabies shot. The moment sealed his reputation for pushing rock's boundaries to places others left well alone.
The notoriously tough Don Arden had managed Black Sabbath for a while and, now Osbourne was solo, Arden's daughter, Sharon, took over managing him. A few months after batgate they married, and eventually had three children: Aimee, Kelly and Jack.
The Osbournes settled in Los Angeles. In 1989 he went on a bender that ended in him being charged with attempting to murder Sharon. However, he could not remember anything and the couple patched it up. The family later shot to surprise stardom with him as a befuddled dad in the hit MTV reality show The Osbournes, which aired from 2002 to 2005.
Health problems began after a quad bike crash in 2003 that broke his neck. Repeated surgery followed, and an announcement of Parkinson's in 2020. For the last six years Osbourne has been largely immobile, but on Saturday 5 July 2025 he performed at the sellout 'Back to the Beginning' concert at Aston's Villa Park, singing five songs from his solo career and ending with a four-song reunion of all original members of Black Sabbath. A roster including Metallica and Guns N' Roses completed the day's all-star lineup honouring Black Sabbath as the ur-fathers of heavy metal. Video tributes came from artists as varied as Elton John and Dolly Parton.
John Osbourne – iconic pioneer of heavy metal – died at his home in Buckinghamshire aged 76 on Tuesday 22 July. He sold over 100 million records, split evenly between Black Sabbath and solo work. He was something of the accidental rock star, never having the poise or pose of a Robert Plant or Freddie Mercury. But he had Brummie authenticity in spades. 'All aboard!' he would roar wild-eyed as one of the most famous galloping guitar riffs of all time scythed into the crowd. His genius lay in having everyone believe he rode the Crazy Train all the way, while in reality he held down a lifelong, iconic music career to which he was unwaveringly committed. RIP Ozzy. Exit, pursued by a bat.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Ozzy Osbourne's true thoughts about Taylor Swift resurface following his death at 76
's unabashed thoughts about Taylor Swift have reemerged days after his death at age 76. During an episode of The Talk in October 2014, Ozzy's wife Sharon Osbourne revealed what the Black Sabbath frontman had said about the 35-year-old pop star after a chance run-in with her. Sharon shared that her husband held the singer in high regard, comparing her to revered icons Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. 'Remember the time that we were all out shopping separately and we bumped into you, and I had Ozzy with me and [our daughter] Kelly was there and we all had chats in the store?' the former talk show host asked Taylor. She then recalled the late rocker saying about the songstress, 'Ozzy came away and he said, "Finally, out of all these young, new artists I finally found one that is a true superstar."' As the live audience applauded, Sharon continued: 'He said he'd never met anyone that had the aura that you have because your aura is one of elegance and just pure, just genuine talent.' During an episode of The Talk in October 2014, Ozzy's wife Sharon Osbourne revealed that the Black Sabbath frontman had called the now-35-year-old pop star 'a true superstar' after a chance run-in with her; pictured in 2024 The compliments didn't stop there, as Ozzy also said Taylor was like 'Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn all rolled into one.' Redirecting the conversation, Sharon then asked Taylor, 'Now what do you remember about my Ozzy?' Blushing, the songwriter said, 'First of all, that was the sweetest thing in the world,' before adding, 'I remember he didn't talk much.' Then Sharon quipped, 'He was too busy staring at you.' The blonde entertainer went on to say, 'He didn't talk much and me, and Kelly, and you were just kind of like, chattering away.' Taylor then noted that 'later, when Kelly told me that he had said those nice things I was so blown away. I was just so flattered. It was the sweetest thing in the world.' The Midnights artist also noted that she was struck by the Osbournes' close-knit dynamic. 'It was so nice to see you guys out as a family, all shopping together,' she reflected before pointing out, 'Those are the things that typically as kids grow up and everybody becomes adults, you don't see family days as much.' 'Remember the time that we were all out shopping separately and we bumped into you, and I had Ozzy with me and [our daughter] Kelly was there and we all had chats in the store?' Sharon asked Taylor before detailing the story; L-R Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy, and Sharon pictured in 2020 'But it was a Sunday and you guys were just wandering around together. It was nice,' she added. Ozzy took the stage for his farewell concert at Villa Park Stadium in his native Birmingham, England less than three weeks before his death. The rocker reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005 to bid an emotional farewell to his decades of performing live on stage. Over 42,000 fans packed into the venue for the Back to the Beginning show, which saw Ozzy and Black Sabbath return to their hometown 56 years after they formed there. In a statement shared on Tuesday, July 22, Ozzy's family said he died 'surrounded by love.' He is survived by his wife Sharon and his five children — Jessica, Louis, Aimee, Kelly and Jack.
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Ozzy Osbourne's Black Sabbath bassist recalls final gig and admits the late rocker was 'frail' and 'needed assistance' during rehearsals
's bassist has recalled Black Sabbath's final gig and admits the late rocker 'needed assistance' during rehearsals. The beloved musician, famously known as the Prince of Darkness, died on Tuesday at the age of 76 - just weeks after performing his final show with the band. Ozzy was reportedly warned by insurers that they wouldn't cover the concert if he insisted on standing to bid farewell to his devoted fans. But his wife Sharon managed to sort something with providers to ensure his last concert went ahead. Despite Ozzy not being in the best state of health, Black Sabbath continued to rehearse and after a few weeks they were ready to greet their adoring fans and give them a show to remember. Bandmate Geezer Butler has since spoken out about his passing, revealing how Ozzy was in his final moments. He told The Times: 'I knew he wasn't in good health, but I wasn't prepared to see how frail he was. 'He was helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane - being Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones.' Geezer went on to share the one thing he wished he had done before he passed. He added: 'I wish I'd had more time backstage with Ozzy, but wishes are redundant now. As Ozzy used to say: "Wish in one hand and s**t in the other and see which comes first."' Ozzy took to the stage for his farewell concert at Villa Park Stadium in his native Birmingham less than three weeks before his death. The rocker reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005 to bid an emotional farewell to his decades of performing live on stage. After selling out in minutes, over 42,000 fans packed into Villa Park for the aptly-titled Back to the Beginning show, which saw Ozzy and Black Sabbath return to their hometown - 56 years after they formed there. Geezer said it was a 'privilege' to have spent the past 56 years of friendship with Ozzy and it's been 'one hell of a ride'. His final words on stage were: 'It's the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' A message on screen then read: 'Thank you for everything, you guys are f***ing amazing. Birmingham Forever,' before the sky lit up with fireworks. On Wednesday, MailOnline revealed that an air ambulance was called to Osbourne's multi-million-pound country home as paramedics battled to save his life. The Thames Valley air ambulance landed in a field close to Welders House, the singer's Grade II listed mansion on Tuesday morning at around 10.30am. It's believed that calls from Welders House had led call handlers to believe that the Black Sabbath singer's life was in the balance.
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Bam Margera admits he's had a 'really rough week' after Hulk Hogan and Ozzy Osbourne's deaths
has admitted to having a 'really rough week' as he mourns the loss of both Hulk Hogan and Ozzy Osbourne. The WWE icon passed away on Thursday at the age of 71 after going into cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Just two days earlier, the Black Sabbath singer died at the age of 76 while 'surrounded by love.' Margera, 45, paid emotional tributes to both the late stars on his Instagram page - and further opened up about their 'shocking' deaths while talking to TMZ in L.A. on Friday. 'It's been a really rough week,' he told the outlet while joined by his wife Dannii Marie. 'Especially with the Hogans. My heart goes out to all of them.' Margera then recalled recently spending the winter down in Florida with Hogan and his family while he 'skated with the pros.' The MTV star said he had crossed paths with Hogan one day who was 'walking around with a cane' and when he mentioned Marie was a stretch therapist, the wrestler said that was something he needed. 'So, we pretty much stayed in Florida the whole winter for the Hogans.' Margera shared memorable moments they had together, including karaoke nights on Mondays which they did 'all the time.' The professional skateboarder added that both he and Hogan had seeing Swedish-American guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen on their 'bucket list' - and were able to watch the musician perform before his death. Margera also remembered attending the wedding of Hogan's son Nick in January, which the WWE legend had also been in attendance at. He admitted that he was still having a hard time processing his sudden passing. 'I'm still - I feel a certain way. I'm still shocked by it all,' the star said, with his wife adding that they had plans to have dinner with Hogan next week. Margera and Hogan had known each other for years, and the pro wrestler had notably posted a tribute to the Jackass star in 2018 initially believing he was dead at the time. Hogan had shared a throwback photo of the pair on Twitter (now X) along with the message: 'D**n Bam I wish you were still with us. I sure would love to hang out again my brother love u miss u HH.' Margera shared memorable moments they had together, including karaoke nights on Mondays which they did 'all the time' However, Hogan later realized that Margera was very much alive and admitted that he had mixed up the skateboarder with his Jackass co-star Ryan Dunn - who passed away in 2011 during a traffic collision. Over on Instagram, Margera shared a tribute to Hogan upon learning of his death along with a slideshow of photos of the pair from over the years. 'I'm crushed. Hulk was more than a hero, he was family to me and my wife,' he penned. 'The world just lost another legend today, and I lost a true brother. It was an absolute honor to take him to see Yngwie Malmsteen, one of his biggest wishes. 'Not many people knew it, but he was a professional musician before he was a professional wrestler. Hulk played in bands and was an incredible studio musician…amazing base player!' Margera added, 'Just so many great memories, like sitting beside him hosting karaoke together at his Hogan's Hangout. 'D**n, I'm gonna miss you man, it hurts. I'll never forget. Rest in power Hulkster. I'll carry your spirit forever.' Margera had also known Osbourne for many years - and the pair notably hosted the 2007 VH1 Rock Honors in Las Vegas together. Earlier this week, the MTV alum shared a picture of both he and Osbourne at the event alongside a moving message. Earlier this week, the MTV alum shared a picture of both he and Osbourne at the event alongside a moving message 'Legends never die. I'm grateful to have shared this moment with Ozzy Osbourne hosting at the VH1 Rock Honors in Vegas.' He continued, 'Rest in power Ozzy… your spirit, your voice, and your madness will echo forever. Jack, Kelly, and Sharon… my wife and I share your pain. Our love and condolences to you.' Hogan's sudden death at the age of 71 in Florida was announced on Thursday, leavings loved ones and fans mourning over the loss. A Clearwater Police Department spokesman said in a statement at the time: 'Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach. 'The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.' A statement on Hogan's main Instagram account also confirmed his passing and read: 'It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. 'Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones. At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. 'May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.' Hogan had been father to two children: Brooke, 37, and Nick, 34 - whom he shared with ex-wife Linda. They had been married from 1983 to 2009. He later tied the knot with Jennifer McDaniel in 2010 until their divorce in 2021. Two years later, the WWE legend said 'I do' to Sky Daily and the pair were married up until his death on Thursday. Before his death, Hogan had undergone neck surgery and Sky claimed that his heart was 'strong' amid claims he was on his deathbed in a coma. The late star's rep also expressed in a statement, 'He's had problems with his back for years but there's no emergency.' A source told that the WWE icon was trying to get back to '100 percent' following both neck and back surgeries. 'Hulk has a body ravaged by wrestling, his body is the body of a 140-year-old man with all the bumps and bruises through the years, and his recent neck and back surgeries have been harder to come back from,' the insider said. Two days earlier, Osbourne's family released a statement on Tuesday announcing the Black Sabbath singer's death. '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.' Weeks for his passing, Osbourne gave his final concert in Birmingham and told the crowd in his speech: 'You've no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart.' The performer was known for both his popular and controversial moments, such as when he bit the head off a bat live on stage. He has been repeatedly asked about the moment over the years, but long insisted that he thought the bat was a rubber toy rather than a live animal. The Crazy Train singer had been battling Parkinson's disease since 2003.
