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New Indian Express
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Ozzy Osbourne, who led Black Sabbath and became the godfather of heavy metal, dies at 76
The Big Bang of heavy metal Black Sabbath's 1969 self-titled debut LP has been likened to the Big Bang of heavy metal. It came during the height of the Vietnam War and crashed the hippie party, dripping menace and foreboding. The cover of the record was of a spooky figure against a stark landscape. The music was loud, dense and angry, and marked a shift in rock 'n' roll. The band's second album, 'Paranoid,' included such classic metal tunes as 'War Pigs,' 'Iron Man' and 'Fairies Wear Boots.' The song 'Paranoid' only reached No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 but became in many ways the band's signature song. Both albums were voted among the top 10 greatest heavy metal albums of all time by readers of Rolling Stone magazine. 'Black Sabbath are the Beatles of heavy metal. Anybody who's serious about metal will tell you it all comes down to Sabbath,' Dave Navarro of the band Jane's Addiction wrote in a 2010 tribute in Rolling Stone. 'There's a direct line you can draw back from today's metal, through Eighties bands like Iron Maiden, back to Sabbath.' Sabbath fired Osbourne in 1979 for his legendary excesses, like showing up late for rehearsals and missing gigs. 'We knew we didn't really have a choice but to sack him because he was just so out of control. But we were all very down about the situation,' wrote bassist Terry 'Geezer' Butler in his memoir, 'Into the Void.' Osbourne reemerged the next year as a solo artist with 'Blizzard of Ozz' and the following year's 'Diary of a Madman,' both hard rock classics that went multiplatinum and spawned enduring favorites such as 'Crazy Train,' 'Goodbye to Romance,' 'Flying High Again' and 'You Can't Kill Rock and Roll.' Osbourne was twice inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — once with Sabbath in 2006 and again in 2024 as a solo artist. The original Sabbath lineup reunited for the first time in 20 years in July for what Osbourne said would be his final concert. 'Let the madness begin!' he told 42,000 fans in Birmingham. Metallica, Guns N Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Halestorm, Anthrax, Rival Sons and Mastodon all did sets. Tom Morello, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Billy Corgan, Ronnie Wood, Travis Barker, Sammy Hagar and more made appearances. Actor Jason Momoa was the host for the festivities. 'Black Sabbath: we'd all be different people without them, that's the truth,' said Pantera singer Phil Anselmo. 'I know I wouldn't be up here with a microphone in my hand without Black Sabbath.'
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
10 songs to memorialize Ozzy Osbourne, the great Black Sabbath frontman
NEW YORK -- There are pioneering music figures, and then there is Ozzy Osbourne, the larger-than-life frontman of Black Sabbath, whose personal mythology is eclipsed only by the strength and immortality of his songs. A godfather and force of heavy metal, Osbourne died Tuesday at 76, just weeks after his last performance. The English icon's idiosyncratic, throaty voice launched generations of metalheads, both through his work at the reins of Black Sabbath and in his solo career. Across his repertoire, there are songs with total global ubiquity and lesser-known innovations with his unique, spooky aesthetic quality. To celebrate Osbourne's life and legacy, we've selected just a few songs that made the man, from timeless tunes to a few left-of-center selections. Read on and then listen to all of the tracks on our Spotify playlist. It would be a challenge to name a more immediately recognizable guitar riff than the one that launches Black Sabbath's 1970 megahit 'Iron Man.' It transcends the metal genre — an all-timer heard around the world and in guitar stores everywhere. One of the great Vietnam War protest songs, Black Sabbath's 'War Pigs' is a rare moment where hippies and metalheads can agree: 'Politicians hide themselves away / They only started the war / Why should they go out to fight?' Osbourne sings in the bridge. Osbourne's heaviest performances are at least partially indebted to Black Sabbath's bassist and lyricist Terry 'Geezer' Butler, and there is perhaps no better example than 'Children of the Grave,' the single from the band's 1971 album, 'Master of Reality.' 'Must the world live in the shadow of atomic fear?' Osbourne embodies Butler's words, a sonic fist lifted in the air. 'Can they win the fight for peace or will they disappear?' Black Sabbath were in a creative rut in the time period leading up to 'Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,' the opening track from their 1973 album of the same name. It's almost hard to believe now — the song features one of their best-known riffs, and its chorus features some truly ascendant vocals. Would the world know what a vibraslap sounds like without the immediately recognizable introduction to Osbourne's first solo single, 'Crazy Train?' To call it a classic is almost a disservice — it is an addicting tune, complete with chugging guitars and Cold War-era fears. Another classic cut from Osbourne's debut solo album, 'Blizzard Of Ozz' — released one year after Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath for his legendary excesses, — the arena rock anthem 'Mr. Crowley' pays tribute to the famed English occultist Aleister Crowley and features Deep Purple's Don Airey on keyboard. The title track and coda of Osbourne's second solo studio album, 'Diary of a Madman,' runs over six minutes long, features big strings and a choir so theatrical it sounds like they're scoring a medieval war film. He wanted big, he wanted dramatic, and he nailed it. It wouldn't be inaccurate to call 'Mama, I'm Coming Home' a beautiful-sounding song. It's unlike anything on this list, a power ballad featuring lyrics written by the late Motörhead frontman Lemmy and a welcomed deviation. When Black Sabbath comes to mind, most fans jump to an unimpeachable run of albums released in the '70s and early '80s. But 'I,' a cut from Black Sabbath's too often overlooked 16th studio album, 'Dehumanizer,' is worth your ear. And not only because it is the first Sabbath album to feature singer Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinny Appice since 1981's 'Mob Rules,' though that's an obvious plus. Late in life Ozzy Osbourne was generous with his time and talent, often collaborating with younger performers who idolized the metal legend. One such example is Post Malone's 'Take What You Want,' which also features the rapper Travis Scott. Osbourne gives the song a necessary gothic edge — validating the otherwise balladic song's use of a sprightly guitar solo.
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne's ties to Glasgow run deep
Osbourne played 19 songs that evening in the East End; including hits War Pigs, Iron Man, and Crazy Train. He began the set with Bark at the Moon, followed by Suicide Solution, Over the Mountain and Fire in the Sky. The show was originally supposed to be held on 28 June, but was pushed back to late July. Osbourne played the Barrowland Ballroom on 23 July 1988. (Image: Archive) John McConnel posted to the Barrowland Ballroom Glasgow page: 'I was there, and it was my first time seeing Ozzy & a young Zakk, who at the time resembled a certain former Ozzy guitarist. It was great seeing both Ozzy & Geezer share a stage and was an insane night right from the off.' Crawford Roy added: 'I remember it well. It was Zakk's first tour and Geezer drafted in on bass. Ozzy threw bucket after bucket of water into the crowd. We got absolutely drenched.' Bryan Foley recalled: 'I was there, right against the barrier. It was one of my favourite gigs,' while Leonard Hoggan added: 'I was there, but I can't remember why it was re-scheduled. It was a great show. It was my first time seeing Zakk Wylde and it was great to see Geezer Butler in the band too.' Osbourne went on to perform Mr. Crowley, Demon Alcohol, Shot in the Dark, I Don't Know, Flying High Again, and Bloodbath in Paradise. He also entertained the crowd with Guitar Solo, Miracle Man, Sweet Leaf, War Pigs, Tattooed Dancer, Drum Solo, Iron Man, Crazy Train, and Paranoid, which served as the evening's encore. In 1980, Osbourne launched his first album as a solo artist at the Glasgow Apollo, kicking off the Blizzard of Ozz Tour in front of a sold-out crowd on 12 September. The Prince of Darkness returned to Glasgow in December 1982, when he was pictured feeding pigeons in George Square ahead of a gig at the Apollo. Known for his curly locks, Osbourne demonstrated a different style that day, posing with short hair, allegedly out of a desire to reduce demand for his services. And in 1983, Osbourne held a third gig at the Apollo, alongside Glasgow rock band Heavy Pettin'. Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has died, age 76. Speaking about the 1980 gig, Andy Shields posted to the Glasgow Apollo online forum: 'I went to the gig (Ozzy's first gig as Blizzard of Oz). I don't have the ticket but I still have the programme somewhere, and I moved down south not long after and didn't get to many more gigs at the Apollo.' Dee Bomber commented: 'I remember that Brad Gillis was playing guitar on that tour. It was a basic show with little special effects but brilliant none the less, just the band on stage playing music and it was great. 'I have since seen him in the US on bigger stages with all the effects but does not come close to the Apollo gig for atmosphere and crowd participation.' Colin McKee added: 'I have my ticket stub for December 1980. Row GG 30 in the stalls. The crowd was incredible. What a year.' In one of her autobiographies, Sharon Osbourne recalled his first gig as a solo artist. She wrote: 'Glaswegians were said to be the most difficult of any audience in Britain, especially on a Friday night, which this was, when they got paid and got p****d. 'I didn't tell Ozzy - he was nervous enough already, on and off the toilet shaking with stage fright... Before the doors opened they were lining up round the block, and we were all in shock. The show was unbelievable." Read more: Ozzy Osbourne dies at the age of 76, family announces MTV EMAs in Glasgow: Slash and Biffy Clyro close awards with rock tribute to Ozzy Osbourne Ozzy Osbourne reveals he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease Sharon Osbourne added: "At the end, Ozzy knelt down and kissed the stage. 'Thank you, thank you, I love you, love you," he said, his voice breaking with emotion. And we all cried, the three of us: Ozzy, Randy and me, sobbing with tears of joy, and we could still hear voices from the auditorium calling for more… He had done it." A statement released by his family on Tuesday evening reads: '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.'
RNZ News
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76
Members of the New Zealand music community say Ozzy Osbourne's impact on rock music will never be recreated. The voice of heavy metal classics like Paranoid, Iron Man and Crazy Train died today aged 76. Bill Hickman reports. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
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GMA Network
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Ozzy Osbourne's death leaves celebrities, musicians grieving
Ozzy Osbourne died shortly after performing his final show in Birmingham, UK with the original Black Sabbath members. He was 76. Celebrities were quick to mourn and pay tribute to the pioneering heavy metal personality, including Elton John who posted an old photo with Ozzy, calling him "a true legend." "I will miss him dearly," Elton said before addressing Ozzy's wife Sharon. "To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love." Meanwhile, Led Zeppelin's lead guitarist Robert Plant took to X to pay his respects. "Farewell Ozzy, what a journey," Plant wrote."You truly changed the planet of rock!" On Instagam, Duran Duran posted several photos of Ozzy and said it was "hard to imagine a world without him." "Ozzy brought so much joy, humour and raw power to the world, in a life of many chapters. Ozzy was a cat who had way more than nine lives." Metallica is heartbroken by the news of the rock n' roller's death, saying "It's impossible to put into words what Ozzy Osbourne has meant to Metallica.' "Ozzy and Sharon believed in us and transformed our lives and careers. He taught us how to play in the big leagues while at the same time being warm, welcoming, engaging, and all around brilliant," the band said. "He left an incredible legacy and will be sorely missed." Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello kept it simple saying "God bless you Ozzy" as he posted a black and white photo with the legend. John Michael Osbourne was the fourth of six children. He struggled with dyslexia, left school at age 15, did a series of menial jobs, and at one point served a brief prison sentence for burglary. Then came Black Sabbath, who produced hits like "Paranoid," "War Pigs," Iron Man" to name a few. Ozzy earned their infamy biting the head off a bat on stage and pursuing a drug-fuelled lifestyle. He was known to fans as "The Prince of Darkness" and the "Godfather of Heavy Metal." Ozzy's cause of death was not specified but in 2019, the aging rockstar was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. — LA, GMA Integrated News
