I Am Ozzy

1. From factory worker to rock icon: Ozzy Osbourne's unlikely rise

"I was a fucking crap burglar. I kept going back and doing the same job, over and over."

Humble beginnings. John Michael Osbourne, better known as Ozzy, grew up in a working-class family in Aston, Birmingham. His early life was marked by poverty, struggle, and a series of unfulfilling jobs. Ozzy worked in a slaughterhouse, tuned car horns, and even attempted burglary before finding his calling in music.

Musical awakening. The turning point came when Ozzy heard The Beatles' "With the Beatles" album. This sparked his passion for music and set him on the path to becoming a rock star. Despite his lack of formal education and struggles with dyslexia, Ozzy's natural talent for entertaining and his distinctive voice would eventually propel him to stardom.

Early musical endeavors. Ozzy's first attempts at forming a band were modest and often comical. He placed an ad as "Ozzy Zig" looking for a gig, which led to his meeting with Tony Iommi and the formation of what would become Black Sabbath.

2. The birth of Black Sabbath and the heavy metal sound

"We certainly didn't come up with it ourselves. As far as we were concerned, we were just a blues band that had decided to write some scary music."

Pioneering a new genre. Black Sabbath's unique sound, characterized by heavy guitar riffs, dark lyrics, and Ozzy's distinctive vocals, laid the foundation for heavy metal music. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, marked a significant departure from the prevailing rock music of the time.

Accidental innovators. Ozzy and his bandmates didn't set out to create a new genre. They were simply playing the music they enjoyed, inspired by blues and horror films. Their innovation came from a combination of their working-class background, musical influences, and a desire to stand out.

Rise to fame. Black Sabbath quickly gained a dedicated following and became one of the most influential rock bands of the 1970s. Their success was built on a string of critically acclaimed albums and tours, establishing them as icons in the rock world.

3. Solo success and struggles with addiction

"I latched on to a doctor in Monmouth in no time, and got him to prescribe me some Valium. I was also taking about twenty-five Vicodins a day, thanks to a stash I brought over from America."

Reinvention as a solo artist. After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy launched a successful solo career with the help of his future wife and manager, Sharon Arden. His debut solo album, "Blizzard of Ozz," was a commercial and critical success, featuring the hit single "Crazy Train."

Battle with addiction. Throughout his career, Ozzy struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. His substance abuse problems often led to erratic behavior, health issues, and conflicts with bandmates and family members. Despite multiple attempts at rehabilitation, Ozzy's addiction remained a constant challenge.

Impact on career and personal life. Ozzy's addiction affected his music, relationships, and public image. It led to canceled shows, legal troubles, and near-death experiences. However, it also became part of his persona as the "Prince of Darkness" and influenced his songwriting.

4. The near-fatal incident that changed everything

"John Michael Osbourne, you are hereby charged with the attempted murder by strangulation of your wife, Sharon Osbourne, during a domestic disturbance that took place in the early hours of Sunday, September 3, 1989, at Beel House, Little Chalfont, in the county of Buckinghamshire."

The incident. In 1989, while heavily intoxicated, Ozzy attempted to strangle his wife Sharon. This shocking event led to his arrest and marked a turning point in his life and career.

Wake-up call. The incident served as a brutal wake-up call for Ozzy, forcing him to confront the severity of his addiction and its impact on his family. It led to a period of serious introspection and attempts at rehabilitation.

Sharon's decision. Despite the traumatic nature of the incident, Sharon chose not to press charges and stood by Ozzy. Her decision to support him through this crisis was crucial in his eventual recovery and the preservation of their family.

5. Reality TV stardom and a new level of fame

"First they set up an office in our garage - Fort Apache, I called it, 'cos it was like some military command post."

The Osbournes phenomenon. In 2002, Ozzy and his family became the stars of the MTV reality show "The Osbournes." The show offered an unfiltered look into their daily lives and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

Unexpected success. The show's popularity surprised even Ozzy, who initially didn't expect it to last more than a few episodes. It introduced him to a new generation of fans and elevated his fame to unprecedented levels.

Challenges of constant exposure. While the show brought new opportunities and financial success, it also presented challenges. The constant presence of cameras in their home and the sudden increase in public attention put strain on the family and tested their relationships.

6. Family dynamics and the importance of Sharon Osbourne

"Sharon saved my life, Sharon is my life, and I love her."

Sharon as manager and partner. Sharon Osbourne played a crucial role in Ozzy's career and personal life. As his manager, she revitalized his solo career and created opportunities like Ozzfest. As his wife, she supported him through addiction and health problems.

Family in the spotlight. The Osbourne children - Jack, Kelly, and Aimee - grew up in the public eye. While Jack and Kelly embraced the fame that came with "The Osbournes," Aimee chose to stay out of the spotlight.

Balancing act. Ozzy often struggled to balance his roles as a rock star, husband, and father. The demands of his career and his struggles with addiction frequently conflicted with his family responsibilities.

7. Reflections on life, death, and legacy

"One thing I've learned about myself over the years is that I'm no good at dealing with people dying."

Facing mortality. Throughout his life, Ozzy has had several near-death experiences due to accidents and substance abuse. These brushes with death, along with the loss of friends and family members, have forced him to confront his own mortality.

Musical legacy. As a founding member of Black Sabbath and a successful solo artist, Ozzy has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. His influence extends beyond his own work to the countless artists he has inspired.

Personal growth. Despite his wild reputation, Ozzy has shown significant personal growth over the years. He has worked to overcome his addictions, repair relationships with his family, and come to terms with his past actions.

Last updated: January 22, 2025