Latest news with #Prince of Darkness
Russia Today
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Russia Today
Bats, ballads, and brutal honesty: Remembering Ozzy Osbourne
In the spring of 2018, I was finishing high school. With graduation looming and the state exams around the corner, I found myself preoccupied with one thing: a long-awaited concert. At the last minute, I managed to get tickets to see Ozzy Osbourne perform live in Moscow. I didn't make it to the mosh pit, but from my seat, I felt a charge of nuclear energy – raw and unforgettable. It's a rare thing, to see your childhood idol in the flesh. My father raised me on Osbourne's music – 'Iron Man', 'Paranoid', 'Crazy Train' – songs that rattled the walls of our home and shaped my idea of what it meant to be alive. That night, I saw Ozzy in his element. And now, he's gone. Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, the man who helped birth heavy metal, has died. Just two weeks ago, he was on stage for ten hours at the 'Back to the Beginning' farewell concert in Birmingham, the city where it all started. Surrounded by guest stars and reunited with the classic Sabbath lineup, he performed chained to a bat-shaped chair, singing with the wild, unrelenting force that defined his career. He left this world as he lived in it – on his own terms. A rock star until the end. Most who don't follow rock know Ozzy only as the man who bit the head off a bat – a story that became a kind of curse. He grew tired of it in later years, annoyed that a moment of shock theater had come to overshadow a lifetime of art. Others remember him as a foul-mouthed, lovable old rocker – the Prince of Darkness turned reality TV grandpa. A man who swore like a sailor and laughed like a child. But there was more to him than the antics. He was outrageous, yes – he once threw raw meat into a crowd, and at Madame Tussauds, posed as a wax figure of himself, startling tourists for fun. He was devoted too. Even in a wheelchair, battling Parkinson's, he kept making music. He once said he would perform until his last breath. And he nearly did. Osbourne's final solo album, Ordinary Man (2020), was widely seen as a swan song – romantic, tragic, and defiantly honest. One of its standout tracks, 'Under the Graveyard', plays like a hymn of regret. It's an unflinching confession of the wildness and wreckage of his youth: the drinking, the drugs, the chaos. His treatment of his wife Sharon. His battles with himself. In that song, he sings: Don't take care of me, be scared of meMy misery owns meI don't want to be my enemyMy misery owns me now The man behind the myth emerges here – not Ozzy the bat-eater, but Ozzy the broken soul who somehow stitched himself back together. He joked once that his gravestone should read: 'Ozzy Osbourne. Born 1948. Died… when the f*ck you know.' But later, he softened. He didn't want to be remembered just for his mistakes. And yet, it's in those very mistakes – how he faced them – that we find the heart of who he was. Many would ask for pity in his place. Osbourne never did. He owned his flaws. 'Don't care for me, fear me,' he sang. He accepted the love of his fans and his family as the greatest grace life had given him. In return, they never left him. Not his sons. Not Sharon. Not the 45,000 fans who cheered him through his last performance. Not the millions who watched the broadcast from home. Despite the dark image – crosses, bats, devils, and all – Ozzy was a man of faith. He often said that Satanism frightened him. The symbols were theater, not creed. In truth, he hoped for the light. Not eternal party-in-hell nonsense, but peace. In his later years, he lent his voice to characters in video games and cartoons. He voiced himself in Trolls World Tour. He was a character in Brütal Legend. And he was, always, a character in the great rock opera of life. I've read and watched a lot about Ozzy. But one quote sticks. In an interview, asked about his faith, he said he hoped that when his time came, it wouldn't be fire and brimstone waiting for him, but something gentler. Something merciful. I think he found it. He was a prince of darkness, yes – but he dreamed of light. And maybe, in the end, that's what we'll remember: a man who learned. Who stumbled, fell, and staggered forward anyway. A man who clawed his way back from himself, through the haze of fame, addiction, and regret. Peace looks different for different people. For Ozzy, maybe it's the roar of a stadium, the crash of drums, the lift of 100,000 voices singing his name. Or maybe it's quiet now. Maybe, finally, silence. But even silence, when it follows a life like his, sounds like music.
Associated Press
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Birmingham mourns the death of native son Ozzy Osbourne
BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Ozzy Osbourne's fans had sensed the end was near. At his final show just a few weeks ago, admirers watched the heavy metal icon perform while seated on a black throne and knew it would likely be the last time they saw the lead singer of Black Sabbath. He died Tuesday at age 76. So there was little surprise Wednesday as they made pilgrimages to sites around Birmingham, the city in central England where Osbourne grew up and the band was formed. Outside the Crown Pub, where Black Sabbath played its first gig, Daria DeBuono, 59, and Stephen Voland, 32, both from New York, described the bond the rockstar had with his fans during that farewell show at the city's Villa Park stadium. Even though he stayed seated throughout, the man nicknamed the Prince of Darkness reveled in the embrace of the crowd, they said. 'It's like that is what he was living for, that is what he was keeping himself alive for, was to have that final glorious moment of love,' DeBuono said. 'And being in the crowd you can just feel the love in the arena that day. It was just very emotional.' Voland completed her thought. 'When I was watching the show I told her, 'This is like a living memorial that he gets to enjoy,'' he said. 'All this hard work and everyone is here for him. I just felt like it was a cool thing not knowing that this was happening very soon after.' The original members of Black Sabbath reunited for the first time in 20 years on July 5 for what Osbourne said would be his final concert. Osbourne had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019. 'Let the madness begin!' he told the 42,000 fans packed into Villa Park as the show got underway. On Wednesday, Birmingham sites linked to Black Sabbath became magnets for fans of the band's front man, who built a second career as a star of the reality TV show 'The Osbournes.' They gathered around the bull in Birmingham New Street station, which was created for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and is known as Ozzy. And they trooped to a mural on Navigation Street that was painted in honor of Black Sabbath's farewell concert. 'He's one of us,' West Midlands region Mayor Richard Parker said at the mural. 'There is an enormous amount of pride — he was forged by this place and he put this place on the map, and everyone could relate to him.' But the biggest draw was the Black Sabbath bench, where fans can take selfies alongside life-size images of the four band members. The bench, which was unveiled on the Broad Street canal bridge in 2019, has been surrounded by tributes to Osbourne. 'I think it is so beautiful that he got to finish and do his wish before he finally passed,' said Matthew Caldwell, 36, of Stourbridge, just west of Birmingham. 'Very sad but incredible.'
Al Arabiya
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Al Arabiya
Birmingham mourns the death of native son Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne's fans had sensed the end was near. At his final show just a few weeks ago, admirers watched the heavy metal icon perform while seated on a black throne and knew it would likely be the last time they saw the lead singer of Black Sabbath. He died Tuesday at age 76. So there was little surprise Wednesday as they made pilgrimages to sites around Birmingham, the city in central England where Osbourne grew up and the band was formed. Outside the Crown Pub, where Black Sabbath played its first gig, Daria DeBuono, 59, and Stephen Voland, 32, both from New York, described the bond the rockstar had with his fans during that farewell show at the city's Villa Park stadium. Even though he stayed seated throughout, the man nicknamed the Prince of Darkness reveled in the embrace of the crowd, they said. 'It's like that is what he was living for, that is what he was keeping himself alive for, was to have that final glorious moment of love,' DeBuono said. 'And being in the crowd, you can just feel the love in the arena that day. It was just very emotional,' Voland completed her thought. 'When I was watching the show, I told her, 'This is like a living memorial that he gets to enjoy,'' he said. 'All this hard work and everyone is here for him. I just felt like it was a cool thing not knowing that this was happening very soon after.' The original members of Black Sabbath reunited for the first time in 20 years on July 5 for what Osbourne said would be his final concert. Osbourne had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019. 'Let the madness begin!' he told the 42,000 fans packed into Villa Park as the show got underway. On Wednesday, Birmingham sites linked to Black Sabbath became magnets for fans of the band's front man, who built a second career as a star of the reality TV show 'The Osbournes.' They gathered around the bull in Birmingham New Street station, which was created for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and is known as 'Ozzy.' And they trooped to a mural on Navigation Street that was painted in honor of Black Sabbath's farewell concert. 'He's one of us,' West Midlands region Mayor Richard Parker said at the mural. 'There is an enormous amount of pride – he was forged by this place and he put this place on the map and everyone could relate to him.' But the biggest draw was the Black Sabbath bench, where fans can take selfies alongside life-size images of the four band members. The bench, which was unveiled on the Broad Street canal bridge in 2019, has been surrounded by tributes to Osbourne. 'I think it is so beautiful that he got to finish and do his wish before he finally passed,' said Matthew Caldwell, 36, of Stourbridge, just west of Birmingham. 'Very sad but incredible.'
New York Times
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Biting a Bat and 5 Other Wild Moments from Ozzy Osbourne's Life
Wild and memorable moments punctuated — and sometimes overshadowed — the long career of Ozzy Osbourne, the English heavy metal legend who died this week at 76. He earned fame as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, a solo artist, and later through 'The Osbournes,' the reality show about his family. But the rocker known as the 'Prince of Darkness' was also infamous for excess — much of it fueled by alcohol and drugs. Here are some of the more outlandish moments: Jan. 20, 1982: Bat Decapitation It's the first thing many people who aren't metal fans think of when they hear the name Ozzy Osbourne, and maybe the only thing. Yes, Osbourne actually bit the head off a bat onstage in Des Moines. During a solo tour that year, the singer and his fans had taken to throwing animal parts at each other. (Ah, rock 'n' roll.) One night in January, a fan hurled a bat onto the stage. In a moment captured on video, Osbourne, who later said he thought it was a toy, picked it up and bit in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
UAE Moments
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Ozzy Osbourne: Rock Icon's Legacy Lives On After Passing
Ozzy Osbourne, The Prince of Darkness, Passes Away at 76 Legendary heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, famously known as the Prince of Darkness, has died at the age of 76. The news of his passing was confirmed by his family in an emotional statement. Osbourne, who was a defining figure in the world of rock and heavy metal, passed away surrounded by his loved ones, marking the end of an unparalleled era in music history. Osbourne's Final Moments In a heartfelt statement given to the media, his wife Sharon Osbourne and four of his six children shared their grief: '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.' Ozzy's death occurred only weeks after returning to the stage one last time with Black Sabbath at their final hometown show in Birmingham, England. This heartfelt farewell followed years of battling Parkinson's disease and other health challenges. A Life of Rock 'n' Roll and Controversy Osbourne's career, spanning over five decades, was as much about music as it was about his outrageous antics. His stunts became infamous, including biting the head off a dove at a 1981 record company meeting and biting the head off a bat during a 1982 concert in Des Moines, Iowa. These exploits fueled his reputation and added to the mythology surrounding his career. He also faced several personal trials. One shocking incident occurred in 1989 when Osbourne, deeply intoxicated, allegedly tried to strangle his wife Sharon. Police intervened, and he later entered rehab. Reflecting on his addiction struggles, he once admitted, 'It's not exactly one of my greatest achievements.' Rock and Roll Fame With Black Sabbath Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy came from a modest background. Nicknamed "Ozzy" during primary school, his love of music was sparked by The Beatles' 1964 song 'She Loves You.' Dropping out of school at 15, he worked various jobs before forming his first band, Rare Breed, with bassist Geezer Butler. In 1968, Osbourne, Butler, guitarist Tony Iommi, and drummer Bill Ward came together to form Black Sabbath—an act that revolutionized heavy metal with iconic tracks like 'Paranoid,' 'Iron Man,' and 'War Pigs.' Despite criticism for their dark, sometimes "satanic" themes, the band became a global sensation. However, Osbourne's substance abuse led to his dismissal from Black Sabbath in 1979. He later described the firing as hypocritical, stating in his 2009 memoir, "I Am Ozzy," that all members had been struggling with addiction at the time. The Solo Era: A Blizzard of Success After being ousted from Black Sabbath, Sharon Arden, daughter of the band's manager, stepped in to manage Ozzy's solo career. Together, they built an extraordinary legacy. His solo debut album, 'Blizzard of Ozz,' featured hit tracks like 'Crazy Train' and became a cornerstone of heavy metal history. Over his career, Osbourne released 12 solo albums, selling over 100 million records as both a solo act and with Black Sabbath. Despite his immense success, tragedy struck in 1982 when his close friend and lead guitarist Randy Rhoads died in a plane crash. This event deeply scarred the singer but didn't halt his meteoric rise. Reality TV Fame: "The Osbournes" In 2002, the Osbourne family became global television stars with the groundbreaking MTV reality show 'The Osbournes.' The series offered an unfiltered look at their chaotic yet endearing family life, becoming the most-watched show in MTV's history at the time. While the show brought monumental fame, it also came at a personal cost to the family. Osbourne and his wife Sharon later expressed that the toll of constant exposure led to personal struggles, including exacerbating the family's issues with addiction. Ozzy's Health Struggles For years, Osbourne battled various health challenges, including a debilitating spinal injury and Parkinson's disease, which he disclosed to the public in 2020. These challenges forced him to cancel his 2023 tour, signaling the end of his touring career. Reflecting on his decision to step back, he told fans: 'This is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to share with my loyal fans. My singing voice is fine; however, my body is still physically weak after multiple surgeries, therapies, and treatments.' Legacy and Impact Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind a monumental legacy, having been inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of Black Sabbath) and the UK Music Hall of Fame (both solo and with the band). His contributions to music reshaped the genre of heavy metal and inspired countless musicians worldwide. He is survived by his wife Sharon Osbourne, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as his children from his first marriage, Jessica and Louis. Osbourne also had 10 grandchildren, ensuring his influence and memory will endure through generations.
