This picture is how I will remember Ozzy Osbourne. The ‘Blizzard of Ozz’, ‘Bark at the Moon’ stage of his career was happening when I was in high school. It was also the height of his legendary status as a madman. Tales rife with bats, debauchery, The Alamo, and more. With others, stories like these are hyperbolic, not with Ozzy.
As a performer, Ozzy made it across the finish line. He knew the end was near and wanted to go out with one final, grand performance. Not many artists can own such a moment. However, on that final night (July 5, 2025 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England) there were numerous, heartfelt tributes from a range of performers. If anyone deserved such a send off, it was Ozzy.
And finally there he was. Sitting on the throne he earned, basking in the glow of love and energy. His youthful spirit shone past his pain, past his illness as he gifted fans with an emotional farewell. The crowd was a swimming in a sea of tears through his rendition of ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’.
Above all of the craziness was the music, always. From Black Sabbath to his solo career to Ozzfest. The love he had for fellow performers and fans was genuine. The talent he had as a performer and lyricist should not be overlooked. Although it’s true in later years, Ozzy was often played off as a buffoon, a parody of himself, his place in rock history can never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace — or rather — Haunt in Mayhem. Shake the dust off the pearly gates. If there is a God, if there is a Heaven, that’s exactly where Ozzy belongs. That’s where he is needed most.
