This hits hard, really hard.

I remember the first time I heard Ozzy’s voice, it was around 1977 and I was 13ish. My family had recently moved into a new apartment and there was a “cool” (at least I thought so) kid that lived across the hall from us. We became friends and listened to a lot of music together. One day he put on Master of Reality and my mind was blown. I guess I had overlooked Sabbath all of these years. I voraciously ate up their back catalog enjoying it all.  And then, in 1979, just like that, I heard that Ozzy and Sabbath parted ways.  I was bummed but hopeful for new music.

I was listening to the radio (yeah I am a dinosaur) one day when I was about 16 when I heard the first notes of “Crazy Train” assault my ears. As the song progressed I recognized Ozzy’s distinct voice, sure enough. the DJ said “That was the new record from former Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne.” I saved some money and bought Blizzard of Oz and proceeded to wear it out. I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing, in my young mind (and ears) it was a sonic masterpiece. I couldn’t wait to hear more from Ozzy and crew.

Diary of a Madman hit just as hard. Track after track of Rock and Roll excellence. I lucked out and scored tickets to see Ozzy in Jan of ’82. What a show! Ozzy and crew played songs off of both solo records AND some of the Sabbath songs I had fallen in love with. Ozzy, Randy Rhoads, Rudy Sarzo, Tommy Aldrige, and Don Airey absolutely CRUSHED it. The music and theatrics were stellar and took you away to the magical universe of Rock and Roll. We lost Randy a few months later, but we still had his spirit with us, and still do.

Ozzy continued to make great records and remained a staple in my listening preferences. But those first two record just hit me different than the rest. I saw Ozzy multiple times on tour (and actually got to shake his hand and thank him once). I continued to look forward to new music from Ozzy.

I was lucky enough to catch Black Sabbath on a couple of their reunion shows which was a wonderful experience for me after all of the years of listening. I heard of Ozzy’s health issues and wished the best for him and hoped he would be able to take some time for himself and enjoy what he had given the world. But no, he wasn’t done giving. He soldiered on and gave us more music and tours.

Watching the Back to the Beginning show I saw how the years of giving (and the Rockstar lifestyle) had taken its toll on him. But in true Rock God fashion Ozzy gave it his all. And we ALL drank it up and showed our respect. In my mind I thanked him for the years of enjoyment and music.

And then he was gone. He went out on a high note. The world mourned, I mourned. I didn’t know him personally but I felt like he knew me. It was like losing that crazy uncle that most people have. His songs made me laugh, cry, shout in defiance, and help me get through difficult times. I cannot thank him enough. I know wherever he is right now, he’s telling them all to “Go Crazy”.

Thanks Ozzy, for everything.

Side note:

The day Ozzy left us I received text from my grown son, as follows:

“Your childhood, my childhood, and now Noah’s. (Noah is my 3 year old grandson) Last night, Noah laid on my chest and asked me to show him Ozzyborn. We watched Ozzy videos for an hour and talked about him. Today before school, he asked if he can listen to his Ozzyborn. Then on the way home he said I love Bark at the Moon…”

I texted a sad emoji face to which he replied:

“Yeah a little eerie right? He’s never asked me about Ozzy before…then last night and today, he became his favorite.”

I guess Ozzy is still giving it his all.

It’s LOUD, it’s OZZY, it’s ROCK AND ROLL! (I’m gonna go Bark at the Moon)

-the Hellion