John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne, one of the most important people in the world of rock and heavy metal, was born on December 3, 1948, in Marston Green, Warwickshire, England. He had a difficult childhood in Aston, Birmingham, experiencing school failure and run-ins with the law. Coming from a working-class family, he left school at fifteen and worked odd-jobs until pursuing a newfound passion for music, ignited at fourteen by The Beatles’ hit “She Loves You.”
Ozzy truly stepped into the music scene in 1967 with his joining of Geezer Butler’s band, Rare Breed. This band morphed first into Earth and then into Black Sabbath in 1969 after they changed names following a Boris Karloff horror film. They, along with Tony Iommi, Butler, and Bill Ward, became the pioneers of heavy metal music with their deep, blues-based sound and lyrics filled with despair, violence, and social turbulence. Their first album, Black Sabbath (1970) and it’s sequel, Paranoid (1970) are considered the corner stones of heavy metal music.
Osbourne’s voice was an integral piece of Black Sabbath’s grim sound. He forged masterpieces with them, starting with Master of Reality in 1971, followed by Vol 4 in 72, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath in 73, cementing them in music history. Unfortunately, their relationship hit a breaking point when Osbourne was forced to leave the group due to worsening drug and alcohol problems in 79. This however allowed him to pursue a solo career which was equally if not more successful than his prior ventures.
With the help of Sharon Arden, who would later become a wife and manager, Blizzard of Ozz was released in 1980 featuring iconic tracks “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” The album marked the start of his new era alongside guitarist Randy Rhoads. Elders also loved his music as he peaked in popularity with Diary of a Madman in 81, then Bark at The Moon in 83, and later No More Tears in 91.
Despite his numerous personal issues such as fighting addiction, and losing Rhoads in the 82 plane crash, Osbourne released an astounding amount of music. With all of his efforts, he co-created Ozzfest in the Mid 90’s, a festival that funded countless metal bands while raking in revenue for itself.
Around the year 2000, Osbourne became a reality television icon due to the MTV series ‘The Osbournes’ which shared glimpses into his peculiar family life. Such exposure brought him to the attention of a new generation of fans, broadening his celebrity status beyond music.
Even in his seventies, Osbourne has continued to tour and record new albums, such as ‘Ordinary Man’ in 2020 and ‘Patient Number 9’ in 2022. He also worked with Post Malone and other artists. Though he faced health challenges like a spinal injury in 2019 and a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, his remaining efforts were praised for their actively unshakeable dedication.
Surprisingly still active, Osbourne is referred to as the “Prince of Darkness,” responsible for over 100 million album sales worldwide. He is uniquely known as a double inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first with Black Sabbath in 2006, and as a solo artist in 2024. While these milestones and his pioneering music give him a remarkable legacy, he is also known for his larger than life persona, theatrical performances, and ability to adapt his brand to different generations.
Contents
Top Songs
- “Crazy Train” – One of Osbourne’s most iconic solo tracks, known for its opening riff and themes of mental instability.
- “Mr. Crowley” – A tribute to occultist Aleister Crowley, featuring classically influenced solos by Randy Rhoads.
- “Bark at the Moon” – A fan-favorite showcasing Osbourne’s horror-inspired aesthetic and 1980s metal stylings.
- “Mama, I’m Coming Home” – A heartfelt power ballad that became a major radio hit in the early 1990s.
- “No More Tears” – Blending melodic verses and heavy riffing, this track exemplifies Osbourne’s 1990s sound.
- “Over the Mountain” – A highlight from Diary of a Madman, known for its explosive energy.
- “Shot in the Dark” – A commercially successful single that gained massive airplay in the mid-1980s.
- “Flying High Again” – An anthem of self-destruction and rebellion that became a live staple.
- “Dreamer” – A softer, piano-driven ballad echoing John Lennon’s influence.
- “Changes” (with Kelly Osbourne) – A reworked Black Sabbath ballad that reached No. 1 on the UK charts.
Discography (Solo Studio Albums)
- Blizzard of Ozz (1980)
- Diary of a Madman (1981)
- Bark at the Moon (1983)
- The Ultimate Sin (1986)
- No Rest for the Wicked (1988)
- No More Tears (1991)
- Ozzmosis (1995)
- Down to Earth (2001)
- Under Cover (2005)
- Black Rain (2007)
- Scream (2010)
- Ordinary Man (2020)
- Patient Number 9 (2022)
Top Albums
- Blizzard of Ozz – A groundbreaking debut that cemented Osbourne as a solo force.
- Diary of a Madman – Critically praised and emotionally resonant, featuring some of Rhoads’ best work.
- No More Tears – Commercially successful and home to several enduring hits.
- Bark at the Moon – A definitive 1980s heavy metal record with a gothic flair.
- Ozzmosis – Notable for its reflective tone and lineup of elite musicians.
- Ordinary Man – A late-career gem with contributions from Elton John and Post Malone.
- Patient Number 9 – Celebrated for its guest musicianship and Osbourne’s enduring vocal power.
Awards
- Grammy Award – Best Metal Performance (1994) for “I Don’t Want to Change the World.”
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Inducted with Black Sabbath (2006), solo (2024).
- UK Music Hall of Fame – Inducted solo and with Black Sabbath (2005).
- Hollywood Walk of Fame – Honoured with a star.
- Birmingham Walk of Stars – Recognized in his hometown.
- Ivor Novello Award – Lifetime Achievement (2015).
- Classic Rock Roll of Honour – Living Legend Award (2008).
- WWE Hall of Fame – Celebrity wing inductee (2021).
- MTV Europe Music Awards – Global Icon Award (2014).
Ozzy Osbourne Singles List
| Year | Single Title |
|---|---|
| 1980 | You Looking at Me Looking at You (B-side) |
| 1980 | Crazy Train |
| 1980 | Mr. Crowley |
| 1981 | Flying High Again |
| 1981 | Over the Mountain |
| 1982 | Believer (Live) |
| 1982 | Iron Man / Children of the Grave / Paranoid (Live) |
| 1983 | Bark at the Moon |
| 1984 | So Tired |
| 1984 | Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel |
| 1986 | Shot in the Dark |
| 1986 | Lightning Strikes |
| 1986 | The Ultimate Sin |
| 1988 | Miracle Man |
| 1988 | Crazy Babies |
| 1989 | Breaking All the Rules |
| 1989 | Close My Eyes Forever (with Lita Ford) |
| 1991 | No More Tears |
| 1991 | Mama, I’m Coming Home |
| 1991 | Road to Nowhere |
| 1992 | Time After Time |
| 1992 | I Don’t Want to Change the World (Live) |
| 1992 | Perry Mason |
| 1993 | See You on the Other Side |
| 1995 | Ghost Behind My Eyes |
| 1996 | I Just Want You |
| 1996 | Back on Earth |
| 2001 | Gets Me Through |
| 2002 | Dreamer |
| 2005 | In My Life |
| 2007 | I Don’t Wanna Stop |
| 2007 | Not Going Away |
| 2007 | Black Rain |
| 2010 | Let Me Hear You Scream |
| 2010 | Life Won’t Wait |
| 2010 | Diggin’ Me Down |
| 2014 | Changes (with Kelly Osbourne – re-release) |
| 2019 | Under the Graveyard |
| 2019 | Straight to Hell |
| 2020 | Ordinary Man (feat. Elton John) |
| 2020 | It’s a Raid (feat. Post Malone) |
| 2020 | Take What You Want (Post Malone feat. Ozzy & Travis Scott) |
| 2022 | Patient Number 9 (feat. Jeff Beck) |
| 2022 | Degradation Rules (feat. Tony Iommi) |
| 2022 | Nothing Feels Right (feat. Zakk Wylde) |
| 2022 | One of Those Days (feat. Eric Clapton) |