Discovering The Life And Legacy Of Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne, often called the "Prince of Darkness," has had a remarkable journey in the music industry. Known for his unique voice and outrageous persona, he has captivated audiences for decades. Whether as the frontman of Black Sabbath or as a solo artist, Osbourne has left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal.

Who Is Ozzy Osbourne?

Ozzy Osbourne rose to fame in the 1970s as the frontman of the seminal heavy metal band Black Sabbath, delivering such iconic songs as "War Pigs,""Iron Man," and "Paranoid." He embarked on a successful solo career in 1979, earning attention for his outrageous public acts and drawing the ire of conservative groups. Osbourne later garnered a new legion of fans by starring with his family in the unlikely hit reality show The Osbournes.

Early Life and Career

John Michael Osbourne was born into a working-class family in Birmingham, England, on December 3, 1948. The fourth of six children, he acquired the nickname Ozzy while in elementary school, where he struggled with his dyslexia. These and other challenges prompted Osbourne to leave school at age 16, at which point he worked a series of menial jobs, including a stint in a slaughterhouse.

He soon moved on to more illicit activities by committing a series of petty crimes, culminating with a brief prison sentence for burglary. Throughout this turbulent period in his life, however, Osbourne nurtured a deep love for music, and after his release from prison, he began exploring his potential as a vocalist.

Black Sabbath Stardom

Released by Vertigo Records in 1970, Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album was largely panned by critics but sold well in England and abroad. With standout tracks like the title song, "The Wizard," and "Evil Woman,"Black Sabbath reached the Top 10 in the United Kingdom and No. 23 on the American album charts. The group’s sophomore effort, Paranoid (1971), included the seminal metal anthems "War Pigs,""Iron Man,""Fairies Wear Boots" and "Paranoid," and took Black Sabbath to new heights, topping the charts in the U.K. and reaching No. 12 in the United States.

The band’s use of religious symbolism and mythic themes lent a gothic cast to their public personae. It also earned them constant criticism from right-wing groups, negative publicity that simply fueled the band’s popularity with its fan base, mostly young males. Subsequent efforts like Master of Reality (1971), Vol. 4 (1972), and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973) achieved platinum status in the United States on the strength of such metal classics.

Substance Abuse and Leaving Black Sabbath

With the release of 1975’s Sabotage, the band’s fortunes took a turn for the worse. Despite the strength of songs such as “Symptom of the Universe” and “Am I Going Insane,” the album failed to achieve the same status as its predecessors. They were also forced to cut their subsequent tour short when Osbourne was injured in a motorcycle accident.

The band’s steady intake of drugs and alcohol — mostly by Osbourne — added to the strain, along with the loss of fans to the burgeoning punk rock movement. Following the releases of Technical Ecstasy (1976) and Never Say Die (1978), Osbourne and his bandmates parted ways. Although Black Sabbath would carry on with various frontmen in the decades to come, the group would never reach the same heights achieved during the Osbourne era.

Solo Success: 'Blizzard of Ozz' and More

Unlike some artists, who fade into obscurity after leaving the groups that made them famous, Osbourne's solo debut in 1980, Blizzard of Ozz, was a resounding commercial success. Featuring the singles “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” the album reached the Top 10 in the United Kingdom and No. 21 in the United States. His 1981 follow-up, Diary of a Madman, also performed well.

However, the ensuing tour was laden with misfortune, including a plane crash that killed guitar player Randy Rhoads and two other members of their entourage. Throughout the 1980s, Osbourne continued to cultivate the image of the troubled loner and angry rebel, with his antisocial theatrics contributing to his notoriety. Among his antics, he showered his audiences with raw meat and bit the head off a live bat onstage.

'The Osbournes'

Osbourne's celebrity status skyrocketed even further with his own brand of reality television. Debuting in early 2002, The Osbournes centered on the domestic life of Osbourne and his family and became an instant hit. The comic appeal of the aging headbanger completing humdrum tasks charmed even those conservatives who had once vilified him.

However, the show took a more serious turn in the summer of 2002 when Ozzy’s wife, Sharon, was diagnosed with colon cancer. The show lasted until 2005, earning a Primetime Emmy and becoming one of MTV’s highest-rated shows.

Hall of Famer

In 2005, Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath for a tour, and the following year, the heavy metal legends were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At the induction ceremony, Metallica performed “Iron Man” in honor of the band. Despite years of abuse to his body, Osbourne displayed impressive staying power by continuing to tour as part of Ozzfest.

He returned to the studio to record Black Rain (2007), which topped out at No. 3 on the U.S. charts, and followed with the well-received Scream (2010). In 2012, Osbourne reunited with his bandmates to perform a series of concerts and record a new studio album, 13, which earned its release the following year.

Marriage to Sharon and Family Life

Osbourne married his manager, Sharon, in 1982. They had three children together: Jack, Kelly, and Aimee. Jack and Kelly appeared with their parents on The Osbournes, but Aimee chose to stay out of the spotlight. Osbourne also has three children from a previous marriage to Thelma Riley and has several grandchildren.

In May 2016, Sharon and Osbourne announced their plans to divorce after more than three decades together. However, two months later, the couple decided to try to make the relationship work. Ozzy stated, “It’s just a bump in the road; it’s back on track again.”

Parkinson's Diagnosis and 'Ordinary Man'

In January 2020, Osbourne revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Following this announcement, he canceled the North American leg of his No More Tours 2 tour for treatment and recovery. Nevertheless, he continued to create music, releasing his 12th solo studio album, Ordinary Man, featuring collaborations with Elton John and Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash.

Osbourne's ability to adapt and endure through challenges, whether personal or professional, showcases his resilience. As he continues to navigate his health struggles, his legacy as a pioneering rock musician remains undeniable.