Ozzy Osbourne Biography
Full Name: John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne
Date of Birth: December 3, 1948
Place of Birth: Birmingham, England
Nationality: British
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Television Personality
Genres: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Rock
Years Active: 1967–present
Early Life
Ozzy Osbourne was born into a working-class family in Aston, Birmingham, England. He was one of six children. He struggled academically due to dyslexia and left school at the age of 15. He did a number of low-paying jobs and even served time in prison for burglary before finding his calling in music.
Career with Black Sabbath
In 1968, Ozzy co-founded the band Black Sabbath with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Originally formed as a blues band, they soon developed a darker, heavier sound that many credit as the birth of heavy metal music. Their 1970 self-titled debut album and the follow-up, Paranoid, featuring iconic songs like “Iron Man”, “War Pigs”, and “Paranoid”, made them global stars.
Ozzy’s haunting vocals and wild persona made him the centerpiece of the band. However, due to substance abuse and internal conflict, he was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979.
Solo Career
After his departure from Black Sabbath, Ozzy launched a highly successful solo career with his debut album Blizzard of Ozz (1980), which featured legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads. The album produced hits like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley”, establishing him as a solo metal icon.
Over the years, Ozzy released numerous successful albums, including:
- Diary of a Madman (1981)
- Bark at the Moon (1983)
- No More Tears (1991)
- Ordinary Man (2020)
- Patient Number 9 (2022)
Personal Life
Ozzy married his manager Sharon Osbourne in 1982. They have three children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack. The Osbournes became household names through their hit MTV reality show, “The Osbournes” (2002–2005), which showcased their chaotic yet loving family life.
Ozzy has battled addiction throughout his life and has been open about his struggles with alcohol and drugs. Despite numerous health issues—including a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020—he has remained active in music.
Legacy
- Known as the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy is one of the most influential figures in rock and heavy metal.
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006.
- Received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
- Revered for his energetic stage presence, signature voice, and eccentric personality.
Fun Fact
One of Ozzy’s most infamous moments occurred in 1982 when he bit the head off a bat on stage, mistakenly thinking it was a rubber toy. The incident became legendary in rock history.