Ozzy Osbourne's story of success with Black Sabbath before axe and solo stardom
The Black Sabbath story started when four boys from Birmingham got together to form a band in 1968, releasing a self-titled debut album in 1970.
But it was their second album, Paranoid, released in September that year, that really put them on the map – the title track became their most famous anthem and is heralded as one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time.
By 1976, Black Sabbath were international stars with seven albums and hundreds of sold-out gigs under their belts. And these shots showing the band gleefully posing with gold discs (for record sales of more than 500,000) were starting to become a regular feature for the foursome.
Ozzy recalled: 'We started off as four guys from Aston who had a dream, and it became true beyond our wildest dreams.
'And with the success came all the trappings and we tried every one of them. The drugs, the travel, the women. Our lives were forever changed!'
Lead guitarist Tony Iommi said their success came because they ignored the critics' damning verdicts on their music in the early years.
He said: 'We believed in what we did, and that was the way life went for us, right from the beginning. We had to get over a lot of fences, but we just forged ahead. You can't just fall apart because of what other people say. You've got to believe in what you do. And we certainly did.'
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Bassist and lyricist Terry 'Geezer' Butler recalled: 'The early years were a whirlwind for us. In the 70s you were lucky to have five or six albums out and lots of bands disappeared before that. But we built up a strong following around the world.'
Drummer Bill Ward added: 'We were a pretty tough band then. We had tours under our belts, we'd travelled all over the world and we had millions of fans behind us. We had a lot going for us.'
However, Ozzy's erratic behaviour due to alcohol and drugs led to the band firing him in 1979.
But he bounced back and scored solo chart success with the likes of Blizzard Of Ozz, Diary of a Madman and Bark at the Moon and enjoyed sell-out tours. And he made global headlines in 1982 for biting the head off a live bat during a stage performance
Ozzfest, a festival in the US and Europe created with wife Sharon to showcase new metal bands, was a huge hit, running from 1996 to 2018.
By 2024, it was claimed Sabbath had sold more than 75,000,000 albums over their career. The Paranoid album has now sold some 12 million copies and last year the single Paranoid joined Spotify's exclusive 'Billions Club' – meaning the track had surpassed one billion streams.
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Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Ozzy Osbourne fans emotional as family share new tribute to late Black Sabbath singer
Ozzy Osbourne's family, including his wife Sharon Osbourne, announced last week that the Black Sabbath member had died, aged 76, just weeks after his farewell concert The late Ozzy Osbourne has been the subject of yet more tributes following the news of his death almost a week ago. Fans have shared that they continue to mourn the Black Sabbath member this week ahead of his funeral. Ozzy's family announced last Tuesday that the singer-songwriter had died, aged 76, that morning, with his wife Sharon Osbourne, 72, and four of his children issuing a joint statement at the time. There was then an outpouring of tributes to him, including from his former bandmates. The verified account for Ozzy on Instagram has continued to post about him since the news broke, including in a tribute uploaded earlier today. It shared a photo that showed a logo of Ozzy's name above a black candle with a flame on top. The caption simply included an emoji depicting a candle. Accompanying the photo and its caption was the song Holy For Tonight, which was included in the post. The track, co-written by Ozzy, featured on his second most recent album, titled Ordinary Man, which was released back in 2020. The post has amassed more than 220,000 likes since it was uploaded this afternoon. Some fans took to the comments section to address the loss and reflect on it having been almost a week since 'the Prince of Darkness' died. One person wrote: "We will miss you forever." Another said: "Can't believe it's almost been a week." Whilst someone else commented: "It still hasn't sunk in." Sharing their thoughts, another fan wrote this evening: "Still doesn't seem real." Someone wrote: "I still can't believe you're gone Ozzy, thank you for everything." One person said in their reaction to the post: "You'll live forever in our hearts, Ozzy." Another wrote earlier today: "Love you Ozzy, I am still in disbelief that you have passed away. Thank you for your music." One fan commented: "I can't even begin to imagine the massive hole he has left in the lives of Sharon, his children and his grandchildren. My heart goes out to them." Another wrote in their response: "Sending light and love to all the family." Ozzy's death was announced last week by relatives including his wife Sharon. She issued a statement alongside their three children Aimee Osbourne, Jack Osbourne and Kelly Osbourne, as well as Ozzy's eldest son Louis Osbourne. They said: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis." Just weeks before his death, Ozzy had performed at a farewell concert in Birmingham as part of Black Sabbath's original line-up. He took to the stage at Villa Park stadium on July 5 in the star-studded Back to the Beginning concert and the gig is set to be turned into a film to be released next year.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Huge rock band cancel string of shows hours before they're due onstage to ‘mourn Ozzy Osbourne'
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Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Bam Margera shares concerning update on how Hulk Hogan and Ozzy Osbourne's deaths are affecting him
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It was an absolute honor to take him to see Yngwie Malmsteen, one of his biggest wishes. 'Not many people knew it, but he was a professional musician before he was a professional wrestler. Hulk played in bands and was an incredible studio musician…amazing base player!' Margera added, 'Just so many great memories, like sitting beside him hosting karaoke together at his Hogan's Hangout. 'D**n, I'm gonna miss you man, it hurts. I'll never forget. Rest in power Hulkster. I'll carry your spirit forever.' Margera had also known Osbourne for many years - and the pair notably hosted the 2007 VH1 Rock Honors in Las Vegas together. Earlier this week, the MTV alum shared a picture of both he and Osbourne at the event alongside a moving message. 'Legends never die. I'm grateful to have shared this moment with Ozzy Osbourne hosting at the VH1 Rock Honors in Vegas.' He continued, 'Rest in power Ozzy… your spirit, your voice, and your madness will echo forever. Jack, Kelly, and Sharon… my wife and I share your pain. Our love and condolences to you.' Hogan's sudden death at the age of 71 in Florida was announced on Thursday, leavings loved ones and fans mourning over the loss. A Clearwater Police Department spokesman said in a statement at the time: 'Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach. 'The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.' A statement on Hogan's main Instagram account also confirmed his passing and read: 'It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. 'Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones. At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. 'May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.' Hogan had been father to two children: Brooke, 37, and Nick, 34 - whom he shared with ex-wife Linda. They had been married from 1983 to 2009. He later tied the knot with Jennifer McDaniel in 2010 until their divorce in 2021. Two years later, the WWE legend said 'I do' to Sky Daily and the pair were married up until his death on Thursday. Before his death, Hogan had undergone neck surgery and Sky claimed that his heart was 'strong' amid claims he was on his deathbed in a coma. The late star's rep also expressed in a statement, 'He's had problems with his back for years but there's no emergency.' A source told that the WWE icon was trying to get back to '100 percent' following both neck and back surgeries. 'Hulk has a body ravaged by wrestling, his body is the body of a 140-year-old man with all the bumps and bruises through the years, and his recent neck and back surgeries have been harder to come back from,' the insider said. Two days earlier, Osbourne's family released a statement on Tuesday announcing the Black Sabbath singer's death. 'It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. 'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.' Weeks for his passing, Osbourne gave his final concert in Birmingham and told the crowd in his speech: 'You've no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart.' The performer was known for both his popular and controversial moments, such as when he bit the head off a bat live on stage. He has been repeatedly asked about the moment over the years, but long insisted that he thought the bat was a rubber toy rather than a live animal. The Crazy Train singer had been battling Parkinson's disease since 2003.
