Osbourne’s family relayed the news that the iconic rock star passed away peacefully this morning (surrounded by family). He was only 76. In 2020, Osbourne revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis and has struggled over the past few years (including falls and the eventual inability to stand/walk). In years prior, he also struggled with other health related issues (some of which no doubt were caused by the lifestyle choices from the earlier years; Osbourne remained sober from both alcohol and drugs but knowingly had to fight against those addictions everyday).
Ozzy was the frontman (lead singer) for the heavy metal band, Black Sabbath. The group was founded in 1968 in Birmingham, England and paved the way for something called the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) that made its way to the U.S. in the 70’s (really igniting the rock music scene from the 80’s onwards). This also transformed the global music scene; Sabbath has been credited by many groups over the years as being a key influence. Osbourne was eventually fired from the band in 1979 (alcohol and drug abuse induced issues) where he eventually embarked on a successful career as a solo performer (encouraged by the daughter of his then manager; he would later marry her). Osbourne also went by the self-proclaimed “prince of darkness” moniker and lived up to that with his wild interviews and performances. He also created the now very large Ozzfest concert festival after being snubbed in 1996 for the Lollapalooza music festival lineup.
Ozzy did manage to perform the final Black Sabbath “Back to the Beginning” concert event that was held a few weeks ago on July 5th in their hometown of Birmingham. From what I saw of both his solo performance as Ozzy (with his band) and at the end with Black Sabbath, he gave it his all. Singing the opening lyrics for “Mama I’m Coming Home”, he was clearly emotional (voice breaking and having to sing octaves lower on a few parts). The song was written in reference to his wife (longtime manager Sharon Osbourne) as an ode to returning home after being on the road during tours. But in light of his declining health in recent years (and being just a few weeks ago where he probably knew he didn’t have much time left) the lyrics are a fitting tribute. Osbourne departed the physical earth and has now gone home (back to the ether) as we all eventually do, and he “exited stage left” doing what he loved.
Myself, I wasn’t what you would call a huge Black Sabbath or Ozzy Osbourne fan. I liked some of the Ozzy era songs (Iron Man and Paranoid as a few examples) and his iconic solo pieces (like Bark at the Moon and Crazy Train as a few examples), but I always knew and appreciated his/their influence because many of the groups I did follow and enjoyed had their lineage originate from the band. The crazy/wild antics during his solo career were things I wasn’t exactly fond of though since that sort of stuff always gave this other (stereotypical) impression of those who just enjoyed the music.
I know there are some negative folks (the ones doing those hit pieces over the past few weeks) out there stating some of his singing at the farewell show was with a backing track. Whatever. It’s more about the spirit of him being there/being part of what the event was about; a final closure with the original members of Black Sabbath (their previous goodbye tour did not include drummer Bill Ward due to various disputes at that time). And as it turns out, this would really be a final farewell. Rest in peace Ozzy 🙏🏼