Who was Ozzy Osbourne? The controversial rock icon whose music and addiction struggles made headlines

Time of India

5 days ago

Ozzy Osbourne death: Ozzy Osbourne was a renowned British rock musician who first rose to fame as the lead singer of the iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath, later establishing himself as a successful solo artist. Known as the "Prince of Darkness," he became equally famous for his hard-hitting music and unpredictable, often controversial behavior, including his battle with addiction. His popularity extended beyond music, thanks in part to the hit reality show The Osbournes, securing his legacy as one of rock's most unforgettable and influential figures.
Who was Ozzy Osbourne?
Ozzy Osbourne was a legendary rock vocalist from Britain, widely considered one of the most pivotal figures in the evolution of heavy metal music. He gained fame in the early 1970s as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, a band that helped define the genre with its heavy, ominous sound and iconic tracks like Paranoid, War Pigs, and Iron Man. His chilling voice and rebellious image earned him the title 'Prince of Darkness.'
In 1979, Ozzy was fired from Black Sabbath due to his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. However, he quickly bounced back with a solo career that proved just as impactful, releasing acclaimed albums like Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. His solo hits, including Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley, further solidified his status as a rock legend.
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… pic.twitter.com/WLJhOrMsDF
Osbourne became infamous for his outrageous antics, most notably the shocking moment he bit the head off a bat during a live show. His decades-long battle with addiction kept him in the headlines, but his eventual commitment to sobriety and efforts to overcome his demons served as an inspiration to many.
Reality show - The Osbournes
In the 2000s, Ozzy Osbourne experienced a resurgence in popularity with the debut of the hit MTV reality show The Osbournes. Premiering in 2002, the series provided an unfiltered and often chaotic look into the everyday life of Ozzy and his family. It revealed a surprising side of the so-called Prince of Darkness, one that was funny, vulnerable, and highly relatable. Featuring his wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack, the show highlighted Ozzy's candid personality, eccentric habits, and offbeat humour, which quickly endeared him to a new, younger audience unfamiliar with his earlier musical career. The show was a cultural phenomenon, drawing massive viewership, winning an Emmy Award, and establishing the Osbournes as household names far beyond the rock scene.
Sharon Osbourne straightening Ozzy's hair with an iron. That's the tweet. pic.twitter.com/fJ3FxUQ6yw
Ozzy Osbourne and his struggle with addiction' substance abuse
Ozzy Osbourne's journey through fame was heavily influenced by his long-term battle with substance abuse and addiction. His dependence on drugs and alcohol began in the early 1970s while he was with Black Sabbath and worsened as his stardom grew. The severity of his addiction eventually led to his removal from the band in 1979. Even after achieving great success as a solo artist, Ozzy's struggles with addiction persisted for many years, frequently drawing public attention due to his erratic behavior, shocking antics, and close encounters with death.
Among the most notorious incidents tied to his substance-fueled lifestyle were biting the head off a dove during a meeting with record executives and later biting the head off a live bat on stage, acts that became lasting symbols of his wild and self-destructive persona.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne pic.twitter.com/pg5AKJGfbD
Ozzy Osbourne's family
Ozzy Osbourne, a father of six from two marriages, has openly acknowledged how the demands of touring and his struggles with alcohol took a toll on his family life.
In 1971, he married Thelma Riley, whom he met at a nightclub in the U.K. The couple had two children together—Jessica, now 53, and Louis, in his mid-40s. Osbourne also adopted Elliot, Thelma's son from a previous relationship. After their marriage ended, Ozzy married Sharon Arden (now Sharon Osbourne) in 1982. At the time, Sharon was working for her father, Don Arden, who had managed Black Sabbath and was involved in Ozzy's career following his dismissal from the band in 1979 due to substance abuse.
Together, Ozzy and Sharon have three children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack.
Ozzy Osbourne's best songs
Some of Ozzy Osbourne's most iconic songs include solo hits like Crazy Train, Mr. Crowley, and Mama, I'm Coming Home. From his Black Sabbath days, Paranoid and Iron Man stand out as timeless heavy metal classics that defined his legacy.