If you haven’t heard of Ozzy Osbourne, I feel inclined to ask what rock you’ve been living under, because the Prince of Darkness himself has left his mark on the world—leaving behind thrilling memories and a once-in-a-billion legacy. Osbourne is credited with inventing heavy metal and influencing countless bands that followed. Many think of him as the father of metal, a title I wholeheartedly agree with.
Truth be told, your favorite band might not exist without Ozzy. In the words of Lars Ulrich, “If there was no Black Sabbath, there would be no Metallica.” Kurt Cobain strived to make Nevermind sound similar to Sabbath. A drawing of Ozzy appears on the cover of Green Day’s classic album, Dookie. Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris called Paranoid the “first album that made me wanna play.” Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins said the first time he heard Sabbath, he thought “This is what God sounds like.” Eddie Van Halen nearly named the band “Rat Salad” after the Sabbath song. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
There is much debate over who officially “started” heavy metal. Many consider The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter”, released in November 1968, to be the first true “metal” song. Black Sabbath followed soon after in February 1970 with their first album, self-titled, which is widely regarded as the first true metal album. The opening title track, “Black Sabbath”, was named the greatest heavy metal song of all time by Rolling Stone, and has been referred to as the first doom metal song.
It’s clear that Ozzy has left quite the impression on the music industry, and those like you and me who engage with it. With a solo career spawning thirteen albums and sixty-five singles, a film career that saw him in twelve movies, eight TV show appearances, forty-one music videos, and several commercials, it’s undeniable that Ozzy was wildly successful in his lifetime. The Prince of Darkness himself earned eight gold certifications and a whopping FORTY platinum, proving to the world just how legendary he was.
Metalheads and fans across the globe have been holding their breath, in dreading anticipation of the day Ozzy would inevitably have his final curtain call. With the news of his passing spreading faster than any number one hit, the world stood, shell-shocked, at the news of his departure. In California, offerings of roses, whiskey, sentimental handwritten notes, and even a resin-preserved bat, were soon left on Osbourne’s Walk of Fame star, with dozens more leaving gifts every day.
The impact Ozzy Osbourne has had on the music industry, metal, and fans all over the world, is truly palpable. He was a one in a billion legend, armed with a brilliant mind, kind heart, buckwild crazy personality, and talent for days. There will never be another just like him, and his presence and unique life experiences will be remembered for eons. His children will tell tales of their off-the-wall father, remembered fondly, to anyone who will listen.
Ozzy, thank you for the music. Thank you for being you. Thank you for always daring to be bold and never diluting who you are. We will miss you dearly, Prince of Darkness.
