Ozzy Osbourne
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Band Timeline
1968
Formation of Black Sabbath and Ozzy's rise to prominence
In 1968, John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne co-founded the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England. As their lead vocalist, Ozzy quickly rose to prominence during the early 1970s, performing on their first eight studio albums including the landmark albums Black Sabbath and Paranoid in 1970, which helped define the heavy metal genre. During this period, Ozzy adopted the moniker "Prince of Darkness" reflecting his theatrical and dark stage persona. This era established his foundational legacy in rock music.
1979
Ozzy Osbourne fired from Black Sabbath
On April 27, 1979, Ozzy Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath largely due to his escalating problems with alcohol and drug abuse. This marked the end of his initial tenure with the band after contributing to eight studio albums. Following his dismissal, Ozzy endeavored to form a new solo band, rehearsing with various musicians before settling on a lineup including guitarist Randy Rhoads, bassist Bob Daisley, and drummer Lee Kerslake by November 1979. This transition initiated his solo career.
1980
Debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz released
In September 1980, Ozzy Osbourne released his debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz with his newly formed band. The album featured Randy Rhoads on guitar and was a critical and commercial success, introducing Ozzy as a solo heavy metal force. Notable tracks included "Crazy Train" which became iconic in heavy metal history. The album's release marked the beginning of Osbourne's successful career independent of Black Sabbath, solidifying his status as a metal frontman.
1981
Release of Diary of a Madman and lineup changes
November 1981 saw the release of Ozzy's second solo album Diary of a Madman, which was recorded with Randy Rhoads, Bob Daisley, and Lee Kerslake, though Daisley and Kerslake were later fired due to creative and financial disputes. They were replaced by Rudy Sarzo and Tommy Aldridge for the supporting tour. The album further cemented Ozzy's solo success and featured complex guitar work credited to Rhoads, whose influence on metal guitar was profound. The Diary of a Madman tour began in December 1981 with Don Airey on keyboards.
1982
Tragic death of Randy Rhoads and subsequent band changes
On March 19, 1982, tragedy struck when guitarist Randy Rhoads died in a plane crash during the Diary of a Madman tour in Leesburg, Florida. The crash was caused by a joyride pilot clipping the tour bus and crashing into a building. This devastating loss caused the tour to pause for two weeks. Subsequently, Bernie Tormé briefly replaced Rhoads before being succeeded by Brad Gillis of Night Ranger. Despite the upheaval, Ozzy fulfilled contractual obligations with the release of Speak of the Devil, a live Black Sabbath covers album, in 1982. This period was marked by significant upheaval yet demonstrated Osbourne's resilience.
1987
Zakk Wylde joins Ozzy Osbourne band
In 1987, guitarist Zakk Wylde joined Ozzy Osbourne’s band, initiating one of the longest and most significant collaborations in Ozzy's career. Wylde’s aggressive guitar style and songwriting complemented Ozzy's music, contributing to several albums and tours. This partnership helped define the 1990s Osbourne sound and solidified his ongoing presence in the heavy metal scene at a time when musical landscapes were evolving rapidly with new metal subgenres emerging.
1997
First reunion with Black Sabbath
In 1997, Ozzy Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath, marking the beginning of periodic reunions with his original band. This reinvigoration was welcomed by fans and music critics alike, as Ozzy joined his former bandmates for tours and live performances. This reunion allowed Ozzy to revisit his foundational legacy, reconnect with the band's fanbase, and bridge the gap between his solo career and Black Sabbath's historic influence.
2002
Reality TV fame with The Osbournes
In 2002, Ozzy Osbourne entered popular culture beyond music through the MTV reality television show The Osbournes, which featured him, his wife Sharon, and their two children. The show ran until 2005 and offered a humorous and candid glimpse into their family life. This media exposure introduced Ozzy to a broader audience, enhanced his celebrity status, and revitalized his cultural relevance in the new millennium, marking a unique chapter in his career beyond music.
2013
Contribution to Black Sabbath's final album 13
In 2013, Ozzy Osbourne returned once more to record vocals for Black Sabbath's album 13, the band's nineteenth and final studio album. This album was notable as the band's first with Ozzy in decades and was produced with guitarist Tony Iommi. The album received positive reviews and commercial success, celebrating both the longevity of Ozzy’s career and the timelessness of Black Sabbath’s heavy metal legacy. The album's release preceded their final farewell tour.
2017
Conclusion of Black Sabbath farewell tour
Black Sabbath concluded their farewell tour in 2017, officially ending decades of live performance together with Ozzy Osbourne as lead vocalist. This tour marked the closure of an influential and groundbreaking chapter in heavy metal history. The farewell tour was a significant cultural event in rock music, attracting vast audiences and celebrating a legendary era forged by Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne's defining vocal contributions.
2024
Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as solo artist
In 2024, Ozzy Osbourne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, a significant recognition following his earlier induction in 2006 as a member of Black Sabbath. This accolade underscored the enduring impact of his solo career, which included multiple multi-platinum albums, influence on heavy metal, and his status as an iconic figure in rock music history. The induction celebrated Osbourne's individual achievements alongside his group legacy.
2025
Final performance and death of Ozzy Osbourne
On July 5, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne performed his final show at the Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham, having announced it as his last performance due to health issues. Seventeen days later, on July 22, 2025, Ozzy Osbourne passed away. His death marked the end of an era for the heavy metal community and music world at large. Having sold over 100 million albums and leaving a profound legacy in both Black Sabbath and his solo work, Ozzy's influence continues to resonate worldwide.
Albums
Blizzard of Ozz
9 tracks
1980
Diary of a Madman
8 tracks
1981
Bark at the Moon
8 tracks
1983
The Ultimate Sin
9 tracks
1986
No Rest for the Wicked
11 tracks
1988
No More Tears
13 tracks
1991
Ozzmosis
10 tracks
1995
Down to Earth
11 tracks
2001
Black Rain
10 tracks
2007
Scream
14 tracks
2010
Ordinary Man
11 tracks
2020
Patient Number 9
13 tracks
2022
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Story of Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne (December 3, 1948 – July 22, 2025), the iconic "Prince of Darkness," reigned as one of heavy metals most influential figures. Co-founding Black Sabbath in 1968, he spearheaded the bands meteoric rise through the 1970s, delivering powerhouse vocals on seminal albums like Black Sabbath, Paranoid, and Master of Reality. His tumultuous tenure, however, ended in 1979 amidst struggles with substance abuse.
Launching a wildly successful solo career in the 1980s, Osbourne, alongside Randy Rhoads and Bob Daisley, crafted classics like Blizzard of Oz and Diary of a Madman. His outrageous stage presence and offstage antics fueled controversy, with accusations of Satanism from religious groups adding to his legendary status. He released thirteen platinum-selling solo albums, seven achieving multi-platinum status in the US alone.
Osbournes relationship with Black Sabbath remained complex. He rejoined the band in 1997, remaining until 2005, and again in 2012, contributing vocals to their final studio album, *13* (2013), before embarking on a farewell tour concluding in 2017. His final performance, on July 5, 2025, at Birminghams "Back to the Beginning" concert, marked a poignant end to a career that irrevocably shaped the landscape of heavy metal.
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