Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary “Prince of Darkness,” stands as one of the most enduring and recognisable figures in heavy metal. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his hugely successful solo career, his powerful vocals, theatrical stage presence, and unmistakable persona have cemented his place as a rock icon and a constant subject in trending music conversations. Ozzy’s journey in music began in Birmingham, England, as the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath. However, after being dismissed from the band in 1979, he embarked on a solo career that would astonishingly eclipse even his previous achievements in terms of commercial success and mainstream recognition. This new chapter was largely spearheaded by his future wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, who saw the immense potential in the “Madman.”

His solo career kicked off with a bang in 1980 with the release of Blizzard of Ozz. This album introduced the world to the phenomenal guitar talents of Randy Rhoads, a classically trained musician whose innovative style instantly became a benchmark for metal guitarists. Alongside bassist Bob Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake, Rhoads helped craft a sound that was both heavy and incredibly melodic, giving us timeless tracks like “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley.” The album’s success was immediate, establishing Ozzy as a formidable solo artist and proving he was far from finished. Diary of a Madman, released in 1981, continued this trajectory of success, further showcasing Rhoads’ brilliance.

Tragically, Randy Rhoads’ life was cut short in a plane crash in 1982, a devastating blow that could have ended Ozzy’s career. However, Ozzy persevered, famously bringing in a string of other highly talented guitarists to fill those enormous shoes, including Jake E. Lee (known for his work on Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin) and, most notably, Zakk Wylde. Wylde, with his distinctive pinch harmonics and powerful riffing, became Ozzy’s longest-serving guitarist, contributing to iconic albums such as No Rest for the Wicked (1988) and the multi-platinum No More Tears (1991), which featured the massive ballad “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”