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Few figures in rock music have had a career as influential, controversial, and enduring as Ozzy Osbourne. Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Osbourne’s contribution to music spans over five decades, shaping the sound and image of heavy metal. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his wildly successful solo career, Ozzy’s journey has been marked by iconic albums, unforgettable moments, and a resilience that defies the limits of rock stardom. Here are some of the key highlights of his illustrious career.

Black Sabbath: The Birth of Heavy Metal

In 1968, Osbourne co-founded Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England, with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is widely regarded as the birth of heavy metal. With its dark, heavy riffs and ominous lyrics, Black Sabbath set itself apart from the psychedelic rock and blues of the time. Songs like “Black Sabbath,” “N.I.B.,” and “The Wizard” established the band’s eerie, doom-laden sound.

Later that same year, Sabbath released their second album, Paranoid, which included some of the band’s most famous tracks—“Paranoid,” “Iron Man,” and “War Pigs.” The album’s success solidified Black Sabbath as pioneers of the heavy metal genre. Ozzy’s distinctive voice, combined with the band’s dark aesthetic, helped cement their place as one of the most important rock bands of all time.

Solo Career: Blizzard of Ozz and Mainstream Success

After leaving Black Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy embarked on a solo career that would elevate him to even greater heights. His debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz (1980), introduced the world to hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” The album was both a critical and commercial success, showcasing Ozzy’s ability to innovate beyond the constraints of Black Sabbath. Guitarist Randy Rhoads became an essential part of Osbourne’s early solo career, with his virtuosic playing becoming the hallmark of albums like Diary of a Madman (1981).

Throughout the 1980s and into the ’90s, Ozzy continued to release successful albums, including Bark at the Moon (1983), The Ultimate Sin (1986), and No More Tears (1991). His ability to adapt to the evolving sound of rock, while maintaining his unique voice and dark persona, helped him remain relevant even as new genres like thrash and grunge emerged.

The Prince of Darkness: Iconic Moments

Ozzy Osbourne’s career is not just defined by his music, but also by the wild antics and controversies that earned him his “Prince of Darkness” moniker. Perhaps one of the most infamous moments in rock history occurred in 1982 when Ozzy bit the head off a bat during a live performance. While he claims he believed the bat to be a toy thrown by a fan, the incident became a defining image of his unpredictable and rebellious persona.

In 1986, Ozzy was arrested for urinating on the Alamo in Texas, an incident that fueled his reputation as the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll bad boy. He was banned from San Antonio for a decade, though the city eventually forgave him.

Despite these controversial incidents, Osbourne also has a playful and comedic side. In the early 2000s, he embraced reality television, starring in The Osbournes with his wife Sharon and their children Kelly and Jack. The show became a pop culture sensation and introduced Ozzy to a new generation of fans, proving that he was more than just the eccentric frontman of a heavy metal band—he was a cultural icon.

Ozzfest: Championing Metal for New Generations

In 1996, Ozzy and Sharon launched Ozzfest, a touring music festival that became a cornerstone for the heavy metal community. Ozzfest provided a platform for emerging metal bands like Slipknot, System of a Down, and Disturbed, while also bringing legendary acts like Slayer and Judas Priest back into the limelight. The festival ran for over 20 years, helping to shape and sustain the metal scene during a time when mainstream attention was often focused on other genres.

Health Struggles and Resilience

In recent years, Ozzy’s career has been punctuated by health struggles, including a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2020. Despite these challenges, Ozzy has continued to release music and perform live. His 2020 album, Ordinary Man, showed that even after decades in the business, he still had the creative spark that made him a legend in the first place. The album featured collaborations with artists like Elton John and Post Malone, further proving his ability to transcend genres and generations.

Legacy: The Immortal Rock Icon

Ozzy Osbourne’s influence on music and pop culture is undeniable. As one of the originators of heavy metal, his work with Black Sabbath laid the foundation for countless metal subgenres, while his solo career cemented his place as a mainstream rock legend. Ozzy’s unique voice, theatrical performances, and larger-than-life personality have made him a symbol of rebellion and perseverance.

Through the ups and downs of his career, from bat-biting controversies to health battles, Ozzy remains an enduring figure. He’s not only the “Prince of Darkness” but a testament to the power of music to connect generations and defy the odds.

As he once said, “I’m not going anywhere.” Ozzy’s presence in the world of music continues to inspire fans and musicians alike, and his legacy will live on long after he steps off the stage.