Obviusly we all know about the recent passing of OZZY OSBOURNE. It took me a few days to want to do this post but as a metal site we obviously had to pay tribute to one of the founding fathers of Heavy Metal. His music both solo and in Black Sabbath has been very influential to me and I hope you guys get somthing out of this too!
THE OZZ MAN COMETH
Ozzy Osbourne, often referred to as the Prince of Darkness, is one of the most influential figures in the history of heavy metal music. His journey from a troubled youth to a legendary frontman spans decades, marked by triumph, tragedy, and resilience.
Early Life in Birmingham
Born John Michael Osbourne on , in Aston, Birmingham, Ozzy grew up in a working-class family. He struggled academically due to dyslexia and left school at 15. Influenced heavily by The Beatles, he set his sights on becoming a rock star.
His early life included brushes with the law, leading to a brief jail stint. Music became his escape and eventual salvation.
Formation of Black Sabbath
In the late 1960s, Ozzy teamed up with Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass), and Bill Ward (drums). After short-lived projects like Rare Breed and Earth, the band adopted the name Black Sabbath, inspired by horror films and a desire to create darker music.
Their debut album, Black Sabbath (1970), marked the birth of heavy metal, with Ozzy’s haunting vocals leading the charge.
Rising to Fame with Paranoid
The band’s second album, Paranoid (1970), became a massive success. Hits like “Iron Man”, “War Pigs”, and “Paranoid” cemented their place in rock history. Ozzy’s voice and stage presence became a defining feature of the band’s sound.
Subsequent albums like Master of Reality and Vol. 4 solidified Black Sabbath as pioneers of a genre that would influence generations.
Internal Struggles and Departure from Black Sabbath
By the mid-1970s, the band was grappling with substance abuse and creative differences. Ozzy’s increasing drug and alcohol use, combined with disagreements over musical direction, led to tension within the group.
After a brief departure and return, Ozzy was officially fired from Black Sabbath in April 1979. It was a turning point—many believed his career was over.
The Birth of a Solo Career
Ozzy’s career was revitalized thanks to the support of Sharon Arden, who became his manager and eventual wife. The turning point came when he met guitarist Randy Rhoads, whose classical and metal fusion style brought new energy to Ozzy’s music.
Together, they formed a new band and released Blizzard of Ozz in . The album featured enduring hits like:
- “Crazy Train”
- “Mr. Crowley”
- “Suicide Solution”
The album went multi-platinum, proving Ozzy could succeed as a solo artist.
|
Click on the album cover to see a more detailed review of Ozzy’s debut release |
Tragedy and Triumph
In 1982, tragedy struck when Randy Rhoads died in a plane crash. Devastated, Ozzy nearly retired but eventually continued his career. He worked with guitarists like Jake E. Lee and Zakk Wylde, releasing more hit albums:
- Bark at the Moon (1983)
- The Ultimate Sin (1986)
- No Rest for the Wicked (1988)
- No More Tears (1991)
Legacy of Ozzy’s Early Years
Ozzy Osbourne’s impact on heavy metal is immeasurable. His work with Black Sabbath laid the groundwork for entire subgenres, while his solo career proved his individual artistry.
His ability to discover and collaborate with world-class guitarists, along with his distinctive voice and persona, has left an indelible mark on rock music.
From the industrial streets of Birmingham to sold-out stadiums worldwide, Ozzy Osbourne’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and revolution. Whether with Black Sabbath or as a solo act, his early years define the spirit of heavy metal and the enduring power of rock.
For More great heavy Metal related content be sure to keep checking on Metalhed.com as often as you can!