Latest news with #Hallowe'en
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Did Ozzy Osbourne bite the head off a bat? Truth behind icon's wildest on stage moment
Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne had plenty of wild on stage moments throughout his career, yet one incident stands out above the rest as he once feared it would be mentioned on his grave Ozzy Osbourne's Prince of Darkness nickname was certainly not just because of his jet black looks on stage and all boiled down to once incident. The Black Sabbath icon pushed the limits during his performances, and even in the world of rock he managed to turn heads. He did not get his onstage name by accident, and long reigned over the rock world until his final show earlier this month. Ozzy received a royal music send off at Birmingham's Villa Park, where he performed with his band for one last time. Just over two weeks later, Ozzy's death at the age of 76 was announced by his beloved family. A statement shared on Tuesday 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's privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis." Of all moments in Ozzy's career, one antic stands out above the rest in how he is being remembered. On January 20, 1982, Ozzy famously bit the head off a bat while on stage, becoming one of the most notorious moments in rock history. Decades later, some recollections of the wild incident have varied, while others have stood the test of time as fact. Ozzy was two months into his tour to promote his second solo album, Diary of a Madman. While on the road, Ozzy started a tradition where he would catapult pieces of raw meat and animal parts into the audience. Word quickly spread through his fans and they started coming to the shows armed and ready to retaliate. During his show at Des Moines' Veterans Memorial Auditorium, something small and black was lobbed on stage with Ozzy thinking it was a rubber toy. In his 2010 autobiography, Ozzy declared he picked it up, stuffed it in his mouth and chomped down. "Immediately, though, something felt wrong. Very wrong. For a start, my mouth was instantly full of this warm, gloopy liquid," he recalled in I Am Ozzy. "Then the head in my mouth twitched." "Somebody threw a bat. I just thought it was a rubber bat. And I picked it up and put it in my mouth. I bit into it," he said. Yet, he soon realised what was happening and quipped: "Oh no, it's real. It was a real live bat." However, Ozzy's account has varied over the years as he once said the bat was already dead. Speaking to the BBC in 2006, he recalled: "This bat comes on. I thought it was one of them Hallowe'en joke bats 'cos it had some string around its neck," he said. "I bite into it, and I look to my left and Sharon [Osbourne, his wife and then manager] was going [gesturing no]. And I'm like, what you talking about? She [says], 'it's a dead real bat'. And I'm... I know now!" In an effort to settle the tale once and for all, the man who claimed to have taken the bat to the concert said it was in fact dead. Mark Neal was 17-years-old at the time and told the Des Moines Register, that his younger brother had brought the bat home a fortnight before. Sadly, it hadn't survived and by the time Mark took it to the concert, it had been dead for days.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
What really happened the night Ozzy Osbourne ripped a bat's head off with his te
The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, died on July 22, just weeks after his last ever performance. As the nation mourns, many have remembered some of his most iconic moments, from his hilarious moments on The Osbournes to his enduring but crazy romance with his wife, Sharon. Among the memories, many have recalled the time that he ripped a live bat's head off with his teeth while performing on stage. The moment was nothing short of legendary, but like most bonkers rock and roll stories, it has become layered with confusion and misremembered facts to an almost myth-like degree. So what really happened? Was it a real bat? Was the bat alive? Did he really need a rabies injection afterwards? Here's what you need to know about one of the most bafflingly badass moments in rock and roll. The infamous onstage incident happened during a live show at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 20, 1982. The star was two months into a gruelling tour promoting Diary of a Madman, his second solo album. A gross but captivating trend began on the tour – that certainly wouldn't be allowed today – which saw Ozzy use his skills as a former abattoir apprentice, and chuck raw meat and animal parts into the cheering crowd. 'I always liked old movies that used to have these custard-pie fights. It gave me this idea to throw, instead of pie, bits of meat and animal parts into the audience. I thought it was hilarious. '[They'd throw back] sheep testicles, live snakes, dead rats, all kinds of things,' he said in The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne in 2020. Fans had learned about this grisly tradition during the course of this tour, and came prepared to fight dirty. One audience member chucked a dead bat at Ozzy, who thought it was a rubber toy, picked it up from the stage and ripped its head off. But even Ozzy has been vague about the details of whether the bat was alive or not. 'Immediately, though, something felt wrong. Very wrong. For a start, my mouth was instantly full of this warm, gloopy liquid. Then the head in my mouth twitched,' said the singer in his 2010 autobiography, I Am Ozzy. 'Somebody threw a bat. I just thought it was a rubber bat. And I picked it up and put it in my mouth. I bit into it,' he said, revealing his sudden surprise. 'Oh no, it's real. It was a real live bat.' In 2006, he also told the BBC that the bat was dead. 'This bat comes on. I thought it was one of them Hallowe'en joke bats 'cos it had some string around its neck,' he said. 'I bite into it, and I look to my left and Sharon was going [gesturing no]. 'And I'm like, what you talking about? She [says], 'It's a dead real bat'. And I'm… I know now!' After the gig, he did have to have a rabies injection; in fact, he had to have several injections. He told David Letterman they were 'very painful', adding: 'I can assure you the rabies shots I went through afterwards aren't fun.' The concert goer who claims to have brought the bat to the gig claimed it had been dead for days when it was launched onto the stage. 'It really freaked me out,' bat-chucker Mark Neal, who was 17 years old during the concert, told a Des Moines Register reporter in 1982. 'I won't get in any trouble for admitting this, will I?' He told the paper that the bat had been brought home by his little brother, and was alive and well two weeks before the concert. The bat died within those two weeks after becoming a house pet, and Neal and his friends decided to pop the corpse in a baggy and bring it along to the gig, as a fun retaliation to the raw guts expected to be thrown from the stage. Neal added that the bat was closer to rancid by the time it arrived at the gig and was unequivocally dead. Bizarrely, this wasn't the only time that the rock star was thought to have ripped an animal's head off. In March 1980, the star was set to release his album The Blizzard of Ozz, which was going to go up against Black Sabbath's Heaven and Hell album with new frontman Ronnie James Dio, releasing a month after his. While at a CBS sales convention in Los Angeles, a plan was in place for Osbourne to give a speech and then release three doves of peace. Unfortunately, the singer had been drinking brandy all morning, and things went more than a little awry when he found himself irritated. The rocker told rock biographer Mick Wall that a PR person at a meeting had been driving him up the wall, so he decided to freak her out by killing a dove. In Wall's book Black Sabbath: Symptoms of the Universe, Osbourne said he: 'pulled out one of these doves and bit its [expletive] head off just to shut her up.' 'Then I did it again with the next dove,' he added, 'spitting the head out on the table'. 'That's when they threw me out. They said I'd never work for CBS again.' The star also told Sounds' magazine's Garry Bushell that the dove was already dead and it was all a prank. 'I wanted to make a real impression. The scam is the bird was dead. We were planning to release it there, but it died beforehand. So rather than waste it, I bit its head off. You should have seen their faces. 'They all went white. They were speechless. That girl in the pictures was screaming. Eventually, a bloke came up and said, 'You'd better go.' He added that the dead dove tasted like 'tomato sauce.' Following his death, animal rights group Peta actually paid tribute to the star, highlighting his work to protect animals during his life. 'Ozzy Osbourne was a legend and a provocateur, but PETA will remember the 'Prince of Darkness' most fondly for the gentle side he showed to animals – most recently cats, by using his fame to decry painful, crippling declawing mutilations. 'Ozzy may have been the singer, but his wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Kelly, were of one voice when it meant protecting animals. Ozzy will be missed by animal advocates the world over.' The singer predicted his epitaph would be about bats in a comment made in 1996: 'Whatever else I do, my epitaph will be – Ozzy Osbourne born December 3, 1948. Died, whenever. And he bit the head off a bat.' In 2001, he also complained that he'd be plagued by questions about the taste and why he did it until he was in the ground, 'And then they'll dig me up and ask me again!' he joked. More Trending The star reflected on his death several times in his life, confiding in one interview that he wanted his funeral to be a joyous occasion. 'There'll be no harping on the bad times,' he told The Times. 'It's worth remembering that a lot of people see nothing but misery their whole lives, so by any measure, most of us in this country – especially rock stars like me — are very lucky. That's why I don't want my funeral to be sad, I want it to be a time to say 'thanks'.' He also added that he didn't want it to be a 'mope-fest' and wasn't too bothered about what they played to send him off. 'I honestly don't care what they play at my funeral; they can put on a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle, and We Are the Diddymen if it makes 'em happy.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Bizarre theory around Trisha Paytas' superhero-inspired name of third baby MORE: Inside Ozzy Osbourne's tumultuous family life including his two absent children MORE: British rock band cancels tour dates after 'unexpected and catastrophic event' at member's home
Glasgow Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Family from near Glasgow gears up for Christmas in July
It may only be July, but Michelle McGhee and her loved ones have already spent weeks working on a spectacular light show featuring 60,000 bulbs, which will raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity. The 42-year-old is known locally in Barrhead for her decorations and music at Hallowe'en but has decided to replicate the idea for Christmas instead to honour her late father-in-law Jim McGhee, who was from Cardonald. Jim McGhee passed away aged just 56 (Image: Newsquest) The 56-year-old, who loved festive lights, sadly died in November 2019 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer for a second time. Michelle said: 'Jim was the best. He was so bubbly and so cheeky and everybody who knew him, knew him as a joker. 'He took redundancy and finished up work at Marks and Spencer and under two weeks later he was away. 'He went into the hospital with stomach pain and was diagnosed again but there was nothing that could be done by that point." READ NEXT: Iconic Glasgow West End restaurant to close this month 'My mum-in-law said I really wish Jim had one more chance to see his lights because he loved Christmas lights and used to put them on the tree outside," she added. "So the night before he came home we all ran about and went up into the loft pulling all the Christmas decorations out. "The neighbours must have thought we were mental." Michelle's brother has been working hard programming the lights on the computer (Image: Newsquest) From then on, Michelle and her husband James', her two sisters-in-law and her mother-in-law have put our decorations up every year on November 15, the anniversary of Jim's passing. Fittingly they have decided to launch the light show on this date. Michelle said Jim was just the best (Image: Newsquest) The family plan to run the half-hour light show back-to-back four times, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, from 6.30pm and 8.30pm. 'We have started planning early because you need to programme every individual light, which is a big task, but my brother, thankfully is amazing with the computer, so he's the brains behind the operation,' she explained. Michelle with her husband James and sons Alex and Malakai (Image: Newsquest) Michelle has also bought a 12-feet Christmas tree for outside her Braeside Drive home. Her four children have also been helping to make baubles, which the family is going to sell. They plan to put the names of loved ones on each one so that others feel like their family members and friends are part of the light display. Michelle with her husband James and sons Alex and Malakai (Image: Newsquest) 'My kids are absolutely buzzing for it and they are loving being part of it,' she added. 'Everybody in the street is buzzing about it, I think because everybody in some way has been touched by cancer. It's such a widespread, universal thing. 'Everybody feels it when they hear that word.'
Powys County Times
08-06-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Rhayader Fire Station praised for making town a safer place
FIREFIGHTERS in Rhayader have been showered with praise, for raising thousands of pounds for local charities and making the town a safe place live, as part of Volunteers' Week. The praise has come from the local community support group, The Arches, as part of its recognition of local groups and individuals in Rhayader during the week, taking place from June 2-8. Multiple individuals and businesses in Rhayader have been singled out by Rhayader & District Community Support throughout the week, but the tributes to the town's firefighters and station was particularly poignant. 'This group of retained firemen have raised thousands of pounds for local charities in Rhayader and surrounding area,' read a post on The Arches Rhayader & District Community Support Facebook page on Wednesday. 'They have provided a safer place for us to live and become our first responders in the absence of the St John's Ambulance and saved many lives and enriched others. 'Alongside their day job, this group provides safety, comfort, vital attendance at cardiac arrest, falls in the home, road traffic accidents and the odd fire. 'They do car washes, quizzes, fundraising events and provide the infamous 'It's a Knockout' assault course in carnival week for the whole community to enjoy." 'This group give their time 24/7. They provide support to doctors, police, and take the pressure off the NHS by responding to calls and providing onsite CPR, keeping people alive and in reasonable condition while waiting for additional support. 'Not only this but they have raised money for the Bracken Trust, thus providing funds to continue alternative therapy to cancer patients by hosting quizzes and car washes. 'They also put on a community Hallowe'en evening which is free for all, allowing a safe and accessible environment for children to enjoy a Hallowe'en experience. 'As a public service the group provide a valuable service to our community.' Other recognised by The Arches this week so far include: Julie Carrod, who volunteers with St John Ambulance Cymru Rhayader and Wye Kids; Julia Wozencraft, a member of the local Knit and Natter group; Julie Davies, who has raised a lot of money for local groups and volunteers at Rhayader Town Football Club; Linda Knox, who has worked at The Arches for several years; Gill Williams, a very active member of the community who is a befriender, volunteer and Rhayader Luncheon Club volunteer; Katy Cronin, who is involved with youth groups and raises funds for numerous organisations; Ty Morgan's and their staff, who among other things, work tirelessly to provide a hot dinner for members of the community aged 65 and over around Christmas.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Justin Trudeau can't run away from embarrassing himself
Justin Trudeau isn't the prime minister of Canada anymore. He's not a Liberal MP. He stayed out of the fray during last month's federal election. He's been under the radar for months, and is reportedly renting a home in Ottawa. Other than a brief excursion to a Canadian tyre store, which led him to take a predictable selfie, he's largely disappeared from public life. Everything came to a crashing halt this week. Trudeau proved once again that he can't run away from embarrassing himself. Literally, in fact. Trudeau was one of three former prime ministers who attended King Charles III's throne speech to open the new session of parliament. He chatted a fair bit with Stephen Harper. He sat within proximity of Kim Campbell. He brought his mother, Margaret, to hear the speech – which was a nice touch. The TV cameras then panned down to his shoes, only to discover he was wearing trainers. You read this correctly. Trudeau's footwear was a pair of green Adidas sneakers. In the Senate of Canada. To hear a speech by King Charles to open a parliamentary session in the country Trudeau led for almost a decade. Some people may not perceive this to be a big deal. To those individuals, I pose one simple question: 'Was anyone else in attendance doing this?' The answer is a resounding 'no,' and it shouldn't be difficult to figure out why. This isn't the first time that Trudeau has embarrassed himself in this respect, either. Three older instances of Trudeau wearing blackface received domestic and international scorn and derision – and deservedly so. His obsession with colourful socks wasn't unique among world leaders, but he kept doing it inappropriately in the House of Commons and elsewhere. Trudeau and his family also wore traditional outfits to India during a February 2018 trip. They were torn apart by the media. 'He wore an elaborate and heavily worked sherwani, more in tune with what a bridegroom would a Bollywood film,' the BBC's Ayeshea Perera amusingly wrote. The Canadian publication Maclean's called him 'The Mr. Dressup prime minister,' using the moniker of the late children's entertainer, Ernie Coombs, who wore various costumes plucked from his tickle trunk. Maclean's also included photos of Trudeau in other ridiculous costumes. This ranged from a Superman outfit worn inside the House of Commons on Hallowe'en to another inappropriate traditional outfit worn during the Chinese New Year. With respect to King Charles's speech, why would Trudeau do something so disrespectful during this important moment in Canadian history? Was it yet another desperate plea for media attention? Was he trolling his haters, as the kids might say? While there were probably elements of this in his thinking, the answer is quite simple: Trudeau doesn't give a tinker's dam about tradition and decorum in politics. He may be a former head of government, but his attitude and outlook on life often resemble the lowest common denominator. And that's why most Canadians are glad he's gone. Michael Taube was a speechwriter for former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
