50 Facts About Ozzy Osbourne

Early Life and Formation of Black Sabbath

Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Marston Green, Birmingham, England, had a tumultuous early life that shaped his future career. His journey from a troubled youth to the "Prince of Darkness" is nothing short of legendary.

1. Early Life: Ozzy was born to working-class parents and dropped out of school at 15 to pursue various low-paying jobs and engage in petty crime. At 17, he was imprisoned for two months for burglary.
2. Formation of Black Sabbath: After his release from prison, Ozzy sang in several local rock bands before forming Earth with guitarist Tony Iommi. The band changed its name to Black Sabbath in 1968, inspired by an old Boris Karloff movie.

Black Sabbath's Rise to Fame

Black Sabbath's unique sound and dark themes quickly set them apart from other bands of the era. They became pioneers of heavy metal, influencing countless musicians and bands.

3. Black Sabbath's Sound: Black Sabbath developed a unique sound based on blues but intensely amplified, drawing attention with its tendency to reference the occult in its lyrics.
4. First Album: In February 1970, Black Sabbath released its self-titled debut album, which quickly gained a following in both Britain and the United States.
5. Influence on Heavy Metal: Black Sabbath's music was highly influential in the development of heavy metal, with albums like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath becoming critically acclaimed.
6. Lead Vocals: Ozzy provided lead vocals for Black Sabbath from their debut album in 1970 to Never Say Die! in 1978.

Solo Career and Iconic Moments

After parting ways with Black Sabbath, Ozzy embarked on a solo career that solidified his status as a rock legend. His solo work brought him even more fame and some unforgettable moments.

7. Firing from Black Sabbath: In 1979, Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath due to his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction.
8. Solo Career: After his departure from Black Sabbath, Ozzy began a successful solo career with the album Blizzard of Ozz in 1980, which was a multi-platinum success thanks in part to the standout single "Crazy Train".
9. Bat Incident: During a concert in 1982, Ozzy bit the head off a live bat thinking it was a rubber toy, an incident that has become one of the most infamous moments in rock history.
10. Marriage to Sharon Arden: Ozzy met and married Sharon Arden, who encouraged him to start a solo career. Sharon would later become his manager and a crucial figure in his life.

Awards and Recognitions

Ozzy's contributions to music have earned him numerous awards and recognitions, cementing his place in rock history.

11. Grammy Award: In 1993, Ozzy won a Grammy Award for best metal performance for the song "I Don’t Want to Change the World".
12. Ozzfest: In 1996, Ozzy organized Ozzfest, an annual summer music festival featuring heavy metal acts. The festival has toured throughout the United States and parts of Europe.
13. Reunion with Black Sabbath: By the end of the 1990s, Ozzy had reunited with the original members of Black Sabbath for a new album and tour. In 2013, they released 13, their first studio album in 35 years.
14. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In March 2006, Ozzy and the members of Black Sabbath were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2024, he was inducted as a solo artist.
15. UK Music Hall of Fame: Ozzy was also inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame both solo and with Black Sabbath in 2005.
16. Hollywood Walk of Fame: He has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
17. Birmingham Walk of Stars: Ozzy also has a star on the Birmingham Walk of Stars.
18. Global Icon Award: At the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards, Ozzy received the Global Icon Award.
19. Ivor Novello Award: In 2015, he received the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.

Reality TV and Personal Life

Ozzy's life took another turn when he became a reality TV star, giving fans a glimpse into his chaotic yet endearing family life.

20. Reality TV Star: In the early 2000s, Ozzy became a reality television star when he appeared in the MTV reality show The Osbournes, which documented his family life.
21. Health Issues: Despite his longevity, Ozzy has faced numerous health issues, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2003. However, he has shown resilience and continues to perform and record music.
22. Tattoos: Ozzy has over 15 tattoos, including the famous letters O-Z-Z-Y across the knuckles of his left hand, which he created himself as a teenager using a sewing needle and pencil lead.
23. Monty Python Fan: Ozzy is a longtime fan of the comedy troupe Monty Python and has stated that his favorite movie is Monty Python's Life of Brian.
24. House Fire: In January 2013, Ozzy suffered minor burns in a small house fire.
25. Charity Work: On his 65th birthday, Ozzy asked fans to celebrate by donating to the Royal Marsden cancer charity in London.

Infamous Incidents and Resilience

Ozzy's career is dotted with infamous incidents that have only added to his legend. His resilience in the face of adversity is remarkable.

26. Substance Abuse: Despite his struggles with substance abuse, Ozzy has attributed his longevity to a "very special kind of fortitude" and has been described by bandmate Tony Iommi as having the unhealthiest lifestyle of them all.
27. Bat Incident Explanation: Ozzy has explained that he bit the head off the bat thinking it was a rubber toy, and he never took dope or anything before going on stage. He would smoke a joint or whatever afterwards.
28. Zakk Wylde’s Praise: Longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde has praised Ozzy’s ability to withstand decades of substance misuse, attributing it to his fortitude.
29. Vicar Incident: In one of his more infamous incidents, Ozzy added something special to a cake offered to a vicar, causing the vicar to pass out and requiring a three-day recovery.
30. Cocaine Incident: On another occasion, Ozzy forgot four grams of cocaine in his socks while flying back to England and offered some to the flight attendants, who sniffed it during the flight.
31. No Sheet Music: Despite being a skilled musician, Ozzy does not know how to read sheet music but can play the harmonica very well, as seen in songs like "The Wizard".
32. Bat Incident Aftermath: After biting the bat, Ozzy had to be hospitalized and vaccinated. The incident has become a defining moment in his career.
33. Song Dedication: Ozzy has dedicated several songs to significant people in his life, including "Mama I’m Coming Home" to his second wife Sharon and "Suicide Solution" to Bon Scott.
34. Television Incident: Along with Zakk Wylde, Ozzy threw a television from the hotel they were staying in, which was on the 9th floor. The hotel charged them $38,000 for the damage, but Ozzy claimed it was money well spent.
35. Lyrics Issue: Despite being a legendary performer, Ozzy often forgets the lyrics to his songs and uses teleprompters during concerts.
36. Commitment to Cocaine: The song "Snowblind" is Ozzy’s commitment to cocaine, reflecting his past struggles with the substance.

Family and Acting Career

Ozzy's family life and occasional acting roles have added another dimension to his public persona, making him a beloved figure beyond the music world.

37. Family Life: Ozzy and Sharon have three children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack. Kelly and Jack gained fame in 2002 with the MTV reality show The Osbournes.
38. Acting Career: Ozzy has occasionally acted, playing himself or a comparable rock star in movies like Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) and the 2016 remake of Ghostbusters.
39. Animated Roles: He has also lent his voice to animated features such as Gnomeo & Juliet (2011) and its sequel Sherlock Gnomes (2018), as well as Trolls World Tour (2020).

Recent Years and Legacy

Despite health setbacks, Ozzy continues to record music and remains a defiant figure in rock, inspiring generations of fans and musicians alike.

40. Recent Music Releases: In 2020, Ozzy released Ordinary Man, followed by Patient Number 9 in 2022, which won the Grammy for best rock album. He also released a single titled "Crack Cocaine" in 2024, teaming up with Billy Morrison.
41. Health Setbacks: In 2023, Ozzy canceled his upcoming concerts due to his body being weakened from a serious spinal injury suffered four years earlier. However, he continued to record music.
42. Genetic Mutant: In 2010, a geneticist concluded that Ozzy is a "genetic mutant" due to his ability to withstand the effects of years of excessive drink, drugs, and general hard living.
43. Defiance Against Age: Despite his age and health issues, Ozzy remains defiant and continues to perform and record music, leaving many wondering what kind of planet we’ll leave behind when he’s gone.
44. Parkinson’s Diagnosis: Ozzy was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003 but has shown resilience and continues to perform and record music.
45. Sharon’s Influence: Sharon has been instrumental in Ozzy’s career and life, often described as his manager and the one who has "saved his arse" with her tough love.
46. Family Unit: The Osbourne family is often referred to as rock’s first family, with Sharon and Ozzy forming a familial unit that has been documented in reality TV shows like The Osbournes.
47. Early Career Struggles: Before his success with Black Sabbath, Ozzy struggled with his career, often facing setbacks and personal issues that could have derailed his path to stardom.
48. Legacy in Music: Ozzy’s legacy in music is immense, with over 100 million albums sold, including his solo work and Black Sabbath releases. He has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame and has received numerous awards for his contributions to rock music.
49. Iconic Status: Despite his reluctance to accept iconic status, Ozzy has been recognized as an enduring icon of heavy metal, earning him the first-ever Rolling Stone UK Icon Award in 2023.
50. Future Performances: While Ozzy has canceled recent concerts due to health reasons, he continues to record music and remains open to the possibility of performing again, with his greatest dream being to perform just one more time.

Ozzy's Enduring Legacy

Ozzy Osbourne's impact on music is undeniable. From his early days with Black Sabbath to his successful solo career, he's shaped heavy metal and inspired countless musicians. Known for his wild antics, like the infamous bat incident, Ozzy's life is a mix of triumphs and struggles. Despite health issues, including Parkinson's disease, he remains a resilient figure in rock. His reality TV show, The Osbournes, brought his family into the spotlight, showcasing their unique dynamic. With over 100 million albums sold and numerous awards, Ozzy's legacy is secure. His recent music releases and continued passion for performing prove he's not done yet. Ozzy Osbourne, the "Prince of Darkness," will always be a rock legend, leaving a lasting mark on the music world. His story is one of perseverance, talent, and an unyielding love for rock and roll.