1977 to 1980

A bona fide Heavy Metal legend. Born John Michael Osbourne on 3rd December 1948 in Birmingham. Ozzy's status in the world of music has entered the realms of the almost mythical. A bona fide larger than life character Ozzy has risen against all the odds to the very top of his profession.

With the inevitable disintegration of BLACK SABBATH in the late 70's Ozzy set about creating a fresh band with NECROMANDUS members guitarist Barry Dunnery, bass player Dennis McCarten and drummer Frank Hall. This line-up recorded demos in 1977 for a proposed album but then faltered and split. Frank Hall would much later turn up as a member of Blues Rock guitarist GERRY GILLARD's band.

Later that same year Ozzy recruited another BLIZZARD OF OZZ from the band DIRTY TRICKS in guitarist John Fraser-Binnie, bassist Terry Horbury and drummer Andy Bierne. This line-up floundered too as Ozzy returned to BLACK SABBATH (ousting his temporary replacement former SAVOY BROWN and FLEETWOOD MAC man Dave Walker) to re-record the vocals for the 'Never Say Die' album and complete a subsequent tour. Fraser-Binnie would later re-emerge with ROGUE MALE whilst Andy Bierne had a stint with PRAYING MANTIS.

Upon leaving the legendary BLACK SABBATH for the second and last time OZZY OSBOURNE sought the managerial guidance of Sharon Arden (whom Ozzy was later to marry in Hawaii on July 4, 1982), signed to Jet Records.

Initially upon bailing out of BLACK SABBATH the singer had spent time in Los Angeles. After many months of shying away from the limelight Ozzy started to assemble a new band with the assistance of bass player Dana Strum. Reportedly numerous guitarists were auditioned before Strum located QUIET RIOT's Randy Rhoads who was immediately signed up. The trio had then intended to travel to Britain but Strum, apparently through lack of a work permit, stayed behind. He would later find recognition with VINNIE VINCENT'S INVASION and SLAUGHTER.

Rhoads was joined in England by Australian bassist Bob Daisley, a veteran of RAINBOW and WIDOWMAKER. In a period of confusion ex SKIP BIFFERTY, PRAYING MANTIS and TEN YEARS AFTER drummer Dave Potts also was in the band for just over a week. Demos would also be cut with LONE STAR's Dixie Lee on the drum kit. At this point former FLYING HAT BAND and BULLION drummer Barry 'Spence' Scrannage managed to last the course of just one local pub gig. Finally the unit stabilised with the addition of the esteemed URIAH HEEP drummer Lee Kerslake rounding off the band. The ousted Scrannage founded Blues Rockers STARFIGHTERS and later THE ALLIANCE.

'Blizzard Of Ozz' acted as the perfect foil for Ozzy and held among its grooves such soon to be recognised classics as the aforementioned 'Crazy Train' and 'Mr. Crowley'. The music was sharper and more volatile than BLACK SABBATH's later works and quickly provided Ozzy with the career impetus he needed. He released his first solo single, 'Crazy Train', in August 1980 under the band title of BLIZZARD OF OZZ.

The success of the single was quickly capitalised on by the Max Norman produced, eponymously titled debut album, some anonymous warm up gigs under the title LAW and then a full British tour supported by BUDGIE. The album proved an instant winner with Metal fans and, in particular, acted as a showcase for the virtuoso guitar abilities of ex-QUIET RIOT man Randy Rhoads. With his characteristic polka dot flying V and blistering guitar work the slender Rhoads quickly gained the status among fans as a living legend. Despite this success the album was not initially granted a US release.

1981

The impact of the debut album was followed up quickly with 'Diary Of A Madman' recorded with the Osbourne / Rhoads / Daisley / Kerslake line up. Immediately after the release of the album, Rudy Sarzo, a former QUIET RIOT cohort with Rhoads who had more recently been working with ANGEL, joined on bass, whilst ex BLACK OAK ARKANSAS drummer Tommy Aldridge and RAINBOW keyboard player DON AIREY were in the fold for the touring band. With Daisley and Kerslake having been ejected before the record's release it was with some degree of confusion that fans saw a photograph of the new line up on the album cover.

Ozzy proceeded to pursue a mammoth 14 month tour of America, which reaped another hit album and a constant stream of sold out, hysterical gigs that featured an elaborate medieval castle stage set and a bizarre dwarf named 'Ronnie'. A brief respite from America was the welcome slot alongside MOTÖRHEAD at the Port Vale 'Heavy Metal Holocaust' festival when Ozzy stepped in at the last minute to replace none other than BLACK SABBATH. Indeed, MOTÖRHEAD would open for Ozzy in the States after both DEF LEPPARD and UFO had enjoyed stints on the tour.

The 'Diary Of A Madman' trek was fuelled by persistent Ozzy outrages that outranked even his infamous biting the head of a dove episode the year before. One famous episode included biting off the head of a bat tossed onstage (Ozzy thought it was a rubber toy!) at a concert in Des Moines on January 20th. What Ozzy thought was a rubber toy hospitalised the man as the dead animal carried the risk of rabies infection. To cap it all, Ozzy ended up committing the most unpatriotic crime of pissing on the national shrine at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. The American media and evangelicals had a field day and the Ozzy legend grew ever larger. But, just as Ozzy appeared to have the world at his feet the unbelievable happened and brought everything crashing down to reality. Randy Rhoads was tragically killed in an aircraft accident on 19th March.

Stopping over at bus driver Andrew Aycock's house in Leesburg, on the way to a festival to be headlined by FOREIGNER, Aycock took Don Airey up in his light airplane. Following a couple of circuits Rhoads and make up girl Rachel Youngblood boarded the plane. It is believed Aycock, tired from a long road journey, misjudged and clipped the tour bus in which Ozzy was sleeping, causing the plane to crash into the house. All three were instantaneously killed.

After losing such a pivotal player Ozzy's band resolutely stuck to touring commitments with an ever fluctuating line-up. For a band with such an enormous profile Ozzy had difficulty in at first finding a replacement guitarist and both GARY MOORE and ex UFO man Michael Schenker were heavily rumoured to have been offered the position. Also figuring in auditions was then RATT guitarist Marq Torien, subsequently to find success as frontman for the BULLETBOYS. Initially ex GILLAN guitarist BERNIE TORMÉ filled Randy's shoes, but life on the road with his royal madness proved too much for the meek Irishman and after a few shows he departed. American BRAD GILLIS, formerly with Bay Area Jazz Rock combo RUBICON and, at the time, bidding to get his new band RANGER a deal, jumped onboard and stayed the course, whilst Sarzo quit to rejoin the imminent relaunch of QUIET RIOT.

1982 to 1983

1982's double live album was 'Talk Of The Devil', a record consisting solely of BLACK SABBATH covers, was initially planned to be a tribute to Rhoads. After much deliberation Ozzy felt its release was too near to the guitarist's death and instead issued a live recording under the same banner featuring Gillis. (It was to be a full five years before any official live album featuring Rhoads was to be released in the form of 'Tribute' featuring recordings from Canadian gigs in 1981). Shrewd fans observed that 'Talk Of The Devil's release was timed to pitch in just before BLACK SABBATH's own live outing 'Live Evil', with Ozzy's pre-emptive strike certainly stealing the thunder from his former comrades.

Change would once again be in the air and Ozzy approached Y&T's DAVE MENIKETTI with a view to replacing Gillis, a motion the Meniketti turned down. Erstwhile UFO and FASTWAY bassist PETE WAY teamed up with Ozzy for the British shows, along with a retained Gillis and keyboard player Lindsay Bridgewater. This incarnation of the band soon folded with Way leaving to form WAYSTED and Gillis to return to America where, after a name change to NIGHT RANGER, his own band would achieve great commercial success. Ozzy's new guitarist was almost to have been JOHN SYKES, but after being offered the position Sykes opted for THIN LIZZY.

Long audition sessions in America were held which eventually turned up DOKKEN guitarist GEORGE LYNCH and then the ex-RATT, ROUGH CUTT and DIO Japanese/American guitar talent of JAKE E. LEE (at first known as Jakey Lou). Lynch would be informed he had secured the position but Lee, arriving late for the audition, subsequently took the spot. Also in would be notorious wildman bassist Don Costa. Costa had previously been a short-lived member of Los Angeles Shock Rockers W.A.S.P. as well as DANTE FOX and DAMIEN. However, within a few gigs Costa's outrageous antics had proven too much even for Ozzy and the man was given his cards, later forming M80 with ex-VENDETTA guitarist Niki Buzz. On the other hand, Jake E Lee became an integral part of the Ozzy band with a blend of superior stagemanship and truly excellent guitar playing.

The Lee / Costa line-up debuted in Europe, playing Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and France, supporting WHITESNAKE. The ensuing American tour was blighted by extreme religious fervour in the bible belt states that culminated in calls for OZZY OSBOURNE to be shot for his supposed blasphemies. Aldridge would be fired in the midst of these dates, being swiftly substituted by VANILLA FUDGE veteran CARMINE APPICE. However, Appice's tenure proved short-lived as Aldridge made a return. Bridgewater too packed his bags allowing Don Airey to rejoin in the vacant keyboard position. Ozzy's support acts for this American leg were Melodic Rock troupe LE ROUX and Dutch Hard Rock band VANDENBERG.

Jake E. Lee's first vinyl outing with Ozzy was the Max Norman produced 'Bark At The Moon' which emerged with an elaborate and very expensive sleeve shot of Ozzy in full werewolf make-up and special effects that allegedly cost in excess of £50,000. Joining Lee on the record came Tommy Aldridge, Don Airey and original BLIZZARD OF OZZ bassist Bob Daisley.

The album was the first to be released by Epic Records, with whom OZZY OSBOURNE had signed after splitting from Jet and 'Bark At The Moon' tour dates in late 1983 featured ex-VANILLA FUDGE, ROD STEWART and KGB drummer CARMINE APPICE in place of Tommy Aldridge.

1984 to 1987

1984 would provide a rare treat for Ozzy fans although they would have to pay high prices to attain the Japanese released rarity 'The Other Side Of Ozzy Osbourne'. Quite remarkably, this vinyl album, never released on CD, compiles B sides with Randy Rhoads live material and a studio outtake of 'You, Looking At Me, Looking At You'.

Unfortunately the year would also be marked by a further tragedy with the death of nineteen year old fan John D. McCollum. The teenager had committed suicide with a .22 calibre handgun, allegedly inspired to do so after spending the day listening to Ozzy albums. One year later, McCollum's parents filed suit against both Osbourne and CBS Records, claiming the song 'Suicide Solution', from the album 'Blizzard Of Ozz', had directly contributed to their son's death. With the track's lyrics having been penned by Bob Daisley about Ozzy's alcohol problems, the case would be eventually thrown out but not before generating considerable negative press.

In July 1985 the world's largest live event provided the catalyst for something fans had been dreaming of for many years - a reunion. Although it was purely a one off the original BLACK SABBATH took the stage for Live Aid - before Ozzy returned to the studio to create the Ron Nevison produced 'Ultimate Sin', an album that gave Ozzy his highest chart placings yet in both North America and Britain.

True to form, yet another rhythm section had been drafted in for the recording and subsequent tour, in this instance comprising of Albuquerque, New Mexico born drummer Randy Castillo, a veteran of THE OFFENDERS, THE MOTELS, STONE FURY, the LITA FORD band, alongside former ROBIN GEORGE and WILDLIFE bassist PHIL SOUSSAN. Controversy reigned when long-term cohort and former bassist Bob Daisley revealed that he had written all of Ozzy's lyrics previously, but had not been credited for his contributions on 'Ultimate Sin'. However, it would be new recruit PHIL SOUSSAN that wrote the single track 'Shot In The Dark', this song giving Ozzy his biggest solo single success to date.

To cap another highly successful world tour Ozzy headlined the 1986 Castle Donington 'Monsters Of Rock' festival before embarking on a gargantuan American tour with support act METALLICA. In a gap between recording and touring Ozzy guested on vocals for original BLACK SABBATH drummer BILL WARD's solo album 'Ward One'.

As 1987 drew to a close Jake E. Lee was fired, later turning up in the commendable BADLANDS, and the process of pulling in an able replacement was begun. Audition sessions whittled down hundreds of hopefuls to a listing including VINNIE MOORE, CHRIS IMPELLITERRI, MITCH PERRY, Nick Nolan, TERRIFF's Joe Holmes, Steve Fister of the LITA FORD band and ROUGH CUTT man Amir Derakh. One of the very last guitarists to attend, recommended by noted Rock photographer Mark Weiss was the 21 year New Jersey native Zakk Wylde. The auditions would narrow down to two candidates with Wylde pitched against JIMI BELL. The latter would be diverted off into another branch of the BLACK SABBATH family tree, joining bassist Geezer Butler's solo band, the GEEZER BUTLER BAND, German based THUNDERHEAD then WAYNE.

Ozzy's gifted perception in choosing exceptional guitarists had certainly never waned and ZAKK WYLDE was as flamboyant as any of his predecessors. Before achieving global notoriety with Ozzy the guitarist, real name Jeffrey Weilandt, had paid his dues with club acts STONEHENGE and ZYRIS. In the latter act Wylde went by the stage name 'Zakari Wyland'. Wylde's official inauguration came at a low key New York gig at the Hard Rock Cafe in December.

1988 to 1994

OZZY OSBOURNE, now seeing Geezer Butler back on bass, toured the UK throughout June and July of 1988 supported by JAGGED EDGE. Former bassist PHIL SOUSSAN had left to team up with Punk Rocker BILLY IDOL for his 'Charmed Life' album. The bassist would then unite with MÖTLEY CRÜE vocalist VINCE NEIL penning songs for Neil's debut solo effort, 'Exposed', prior to helping form BEGGARS & THIEVES. Ozzy's new 'No Rest For The Wicked' album, released in October 1988, would be recorded with a returning Bob Daisley once again. Also of note is that 'No Rest For The Wicked' features SAGA vocalist Michael Sadler on backing vocals. Taking the album on the road, Ozzy renewed ties with his erstwhile BLACK SABBATH colleague, bassist Geezer Butler.

Whilst a live mini-album, 'Just Say Ozzy', was culled from the world tour during March 1990 the following year, brought the world 'No More Tears'. OZZY OSBOURNE took time out in January of 1991 to headline the London Wembley Arena 'Great British Music Weekend', topping a bill comprising THUNDER, DAVID COVERDALE, THE QUIREBOYS and MAGNUM. Subsequently Ozzy participated in guest sessions, appearing on the INFECTIOUS GROOVES track 'Therapy' included on the album 'The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move...It's The Infectious Grooves' and also on the title track of ALICE COOPER's 'Hey Stoopid'.

Geezer Butler was then involved in the 'No More Tears' studio sessions alongside Wylde and Castillo, but was replaced by former STEVE JONES and KILLERWATT bassist Terry Nails. Another switch saw Bob Daisley back in for the studio alongside ex-HEAVY METAL KIDS and LION keyboard player John Sinclair. With the 'No More Tears' recording process becoming ever more protracted, Ozzy's announced that this would be the very last tour he would undertake and, quite possibly, his last album. Years of well documented alcohol and substance abuse had finally taken their toll.

This perceived 'swan song' record was another strong effort, bolstered by a writing partnership that Ozzy had formed with Lemmy, the MOTÖRHEAD leader penning lyrics to the tracks 'Desire', 'I Don't Want To Change The World', 'Hellraiser' and 'Mama I'm Coming Home'. Sure enough, successive reports suggested that more albums would follow, although not necessarily under the OZZY OSBOURNE banner. As the press speculated on a BLACK SABBATH reunion it became clear that Def Jam producer Rick Rubin had at one stage got pretty close to getting BLACK SABBATH to reform, but in the end Ozzy chose to stay solo and BLACK SABBATH re-recruited Ronnie James Dio for their 'Dehumanizer' album.

Yet again another new face emerged in Ozzy's touring band as bassist Mike Inez was drafted in. Headlining the prestigious Foundations Forum in Los Angeles after picking up a Lifetime Achievement award, Ozzy proceeded to embark on another mammoth tour.

The coup de grace to Ozzy's touring career finally came with two shows at Costa Mesa in November 1992. Following a set by BLACK SABBATH fronted by JUDAS PRIEST vocalist Rob Halford (Dio had refused to play on the same bill as Ozzy), Ozzy was joined onstage following his band's set by the original BLACK SABBATH line-up of Iommi, Butler and Ward. The re-united quartet duly delivered a set comprising 'Black Sabbath'. 'Iron Man', 'Fairies Wear Boots' and 'Paranoid'. There were negotiations for a massive money spinning BLACK SABBATH / OZZY OSBOURNE reunion album and tour, including a Castle Donington headline appearance, but once shows had been announced the whole thing was pulled.

Ozzy's band was to split with ZAKK WYLDE creating the Southern tinged PRIDE N' GLORY, Randy Castillo teamed up with ex-ALIEN and FOUR HORSEMEN vocalist Frank Starr, his ex-Ozzy colleague bassist Terry Nails and guitarist John Lowery to create BONE ANGEL. With Lowery's departure, to join Rob Halford's TWO project and subsequently evolve into JOHN 5 as a member of the MARILYN MANSON band, Castillo, Nails and Starr stuck together to morph into HARD LUCK with ex-DIO / ROUGH CUTT guitarist Craig Goldy. Mike Inez joined ALICE IN CHAINS.

During this period Ozzy also turned up on the BLACK SABBATH tribute album 'Nativity In Black' performing 'Iron Man' with backing from the Irish alternative Rock band THERAPY?

During the Spring of 1993 Osbourne set to work on a new band unit. For the first time this proposed group would not take the OZZY OSBOURNE solo banner but worked under a proposed branding of X-RAY. Initial recordings had been made with the American superstar hired gun guitarist STEVE VAI, of the DAVID LEE ROTH band and WHITESNAKE. The rhythm section comprised bassist Todd Jensen, a veteran of SEQUEL, HARDLINE, HARLOW and the DAVID LEE ROTH band plus ex-WILD DOGS and BAD ENGLISH drummer Deen Castronovo. The quartet worked up tracks at Vai's home studio before Bob Daisley was re-instated on bass.

The invigorating live rendition of 'I Don't Want To Change The World', culled from the 'Live And Loud' opus, victoriously clutched the 'Best Metal Performance With Vocal' award at the 36th Grammy Awards on 1st March 1994.

1995 to 1999

The X-RAY project would be put on hold and Ozzy returned with a new 1995 solo album entitled 'Ozzmosis', written over a lengthy period and involving the talents of many songwriters and musicians. Ozzy had re-enlisted ZAKK WYLDE and hired former WHITESNAKE drummer Denny Carmassi, also ex-MONTROSE, GAMMA and HEART amongst others. Only one song, 'My Little Man', would be salvaged from the X-RAY sessions. For the first time a whole host of songwriters were involved in the album project including MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy Kilmister, penning lyrics to 'See You On The Other Side', Steve Dudas, Jim Vallance (BRYAN ADAMS) and Mark Hudson. This latter collaborator would co-score a track with Ozzy entitled 'Rasputin'. Although not used for the 'Ozzmosis' album, the song would spur ongoing work on a full blown musical about the controversial Russian priest. Meanwhile, a Japanese variant of the much vaunted album notably included the bonus track 'The Whole World's Falling Down'.

Initially WHITE LION bassist James Lomenzo cut the 'Ozzmosis' bass tracks, but he would be replaced and his work recorded over. By the end of recording Ozzy's band comprised of a returning Wylde, a returning Geezer Butler and drummer Deen Castronovo. This rhythm section would also find the time to collaborate on Butler's own G//Z/R project too culminating in the 'Plastic Planet' album.

In a typically offbeat move the man gave a cameo appearance in the movie 'The Jerky Boys', having previously appeared in another cameo role in the late 80s movie 'Trick Or Treat' playing a preacher!

At the close of recording Wylde was reportedly sacked by Osbourne's management following the guitarist's much publicised liaisons with GUNS N' ROSES. Ozzy thus debuted his new guitarist Alex Skolnick, previously with TESTAMENT and SAVATAGE, with a secret club gig at Nottingham Rock City in June. However, within days it had been announced that ex TERRIFF, LIZZY BORDEN and DAVID LEE ROTH guitarist Joe Holmes had secured the position. Skolnick returned to his SKOL-PATROL Jazz Rock project.

Opening dates for the 1995 world tour started in Chile. Following a handful of gigs Castronovo was out and Randy Castillo, pulled from his act JUICE 13, was back behind the drum stool. Later Castillo would supplant Tommy Lee in MÖTLEY CRÜE. UK concerts throughout November would see FEAR FACTORY in the supporting role.

The 'Ozzmosis' album, which found Ozzy's friend RICK WAKEMAN lending his talents on the keyboards once again, proved to be Osbourne's most successful for nearly a decade, debuting in the American Billboard album charts at number 4 and selling over 127'000 copies in it's first week of release.

In early 1996 Ozzy was confirmed as a co-headliner, along with KISS, for the Castle Donington Festival. His band included Holmes, FAITH NO MORE drummer Mike Bordin and ex SUICIDAL TENDENCIES bassist Rob Trujillo and the man was to successfully tour America the same year supported by SLAYER and DANZIG on outdoor dates billed as the 'Ozz-Fest'. As these sell out shows proved beyond all doubt that Hard Rock was far from on the wane in America. This resurgence of support was backed up by the compilation album 'The Ozzman Cometh', a CD that, along with more familiar Ozzy material, also included four previously unreleased early BLACK SABBATH tracks and an unheard OZZY track 'Back To Earth' which was originally recorded for the 'Ozzmosis' album.

'Ozz-fest' also gave Ozzy the opportunity to reunite with BLACK SABBATH, with Mike Bordin supplying drums, and the reunion culminated in a pair of triumphant shows at the Birmingham NEC in Britain during early December. These dates saw original BLACK SABBATH drummer BILL WARD take his rightful place behind the skins once more.

With a lull in OZZY OSBOURNE's activities Holmes, Trujillo and Bordin founded a fresh act MASS MENTAL fronted by ex-DUB WAR vocalist Benji. As for OZZY OSBOURNE he collaborated with WU TANG CLAN on the track 'For Heaven's Sake'. Ozzy himself would find himself back in the movies donating the vocals to a track 'Walk On Water' included in the 'Beavis & Butthead Do America' motion picture. Ozzy would also figure in the autobiographical hit 'Private Parts', based on the career of shock jock Howard Stern, oddly rendering a version of STATUS QUO's 60s twee Pop hit 'Pictures Of Matchstick Men' in allegiance with arch Gothic Metal act TYPE O NEGATIVE.

The extracurricular projects continued into 1998 with Ozzy lending guest lead vocals to the title track of RINGO STARR's 'Vertical Man' opus and featuring on 'Nowhere To Run (Vapor Trail' for inclusion in the 'South Park' movie. A cartoon Ozzy even famously, and rather stereotypically, got to bite off Kenny's head. The collaborations did not end there, Ozzy teamed up with COAL CHAMBER- managed at the time by Sharon Osbourne, for a take on PETER GABRIEL's 'Shock The Monkey' as part of their 1999 album 'Chamber Music'. Rapper BUSTA RHYMES got in on the act too, getting Ozzy to grace his song 'This Means War', actually a radically re-worked 'Iron Man'.

Ozzy and BLACK SABBATH would embark on another highly successful 'Ozzfest' jaunt across America during 1999. Although Mike Bordin was firmly entrenched on the drums Shannon Larkin of WRATHCHILD AMERICA, UGLY KID JOE and AMEN would also step in at short notice in place of Bordin for one date at the close of the dates, playing drums for both OZZY OSBOURNE's band and BLACK SABBATH in the same day!

2000 to 2002

Ozzy announced his drummer for 2000 to be ex-THORN, CRISIS, SOULFLY and PALE DEMONS man Roy Mayorga. However, within weeks former PRIDE AND GLORY and FOREIGNER drummer Brian Tichy was on the drum stool. Meantime, Osbourne turned up in the movies yet again that same year putting in a cameo appearance in the Adam Sandler 'Little Nicky' movie. On the musical front, he would repay a favour to RICK WAKEMAN, cutting lead vocals for the track 'Buried Alive' on the keyboard player's ambitious 'Return To The Centre Of The Earth' album.

In November 2000 news of Ozzy's new band emerged with Wylde and Butler making a return. The biggest surprise was the inclusion of former MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee. However, as soon as these reports leaked out they were swiftly and vehemently denied in typically colourful language.

During April of 2001 the Ozzy rhythm section of Bordin and Trujillo would back up erstwhile ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist JERRY CANTRELL for live dates. Trujillo, along with his PALE DEMONS colleague and ex-Ozzy drummer Roy Mayorga, would be found guesting on the debut INSOLENCE album. The summer of 2001 had Ozzy topping the bill on the international 'Ozzfest' once again back in place with BLACK SABBATH. Zakk Wylde meantime featured his act BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, promoting a live album which featured Zakk's version of 'No More Tears', on the bill also.

Ozzy's new single, 'Gets Me Through', was announced for a September 2001 release but would actually arrive in stores on 1st October. The album, 'Down To Earth', would also arrive in October with Japanese copies boasting an extra track in 'No Place For Angels'. Meantime, it was also announced that Ozzy had lent his voice to a track called 'Iron Head' on a forthcoming ROB ZOMBIE album.

'Down To Earth' debuted at no. 4 on the Billboard charts shifting over 150'000 copies in its first week of sale. Notably, it would also give Ozzy his first no. 1 record in Sweden. Amongst inclusions on the songwriting front would be BLACK SABBATH keyboard player Geoff Nicholls on 'Facing Hell' and 'Black Illusion' whilst 'Running Out Of Time' was co-penned by FOREIGNER guitarist MICK JONES.

However, the subsequent 'Merry Mayhem' tour, with support acts ROB ZOMBIE, MUDVAYNE and SOIL, would not run so smoothly. Ten dates, commencing 9th of November at the Compaq Center in Houston, would be postponed when Ozzy suffered a stress fracture in his leg. The injury had come about when Ozzy had reportedly slipped in the shower prior to a gig in Tucson. The singer, apparently unaware of the severity of the damage to his leg, continued to perform until the pain became unbearable and doctors diagnosed the fracture. Ozzy recovered to resume action by the 29th of November in North Dakota.

Japanese shows in early 2002 would be recorded for a projected live album and DVD 'Live At Budokan', mooted to also contain a number of new studio recordings. The UK leg of the 'Ozzfest' tour would be put in at the world famous Castle Donington site on May 25th, Ozzy heading a bill over TOOL, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, SLAYER, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and CRADLE OF FILTH. The American leg of 'Ozzfest' would feature a revised billing with Ozzy topping SYSTEM OF A DOWN, P.O.D., BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, DROWNING POOL, ADEMA, ROB ZOMBIE, MESHUGGAH, APEX THEORY, LOST PROPHETS, PULSE ULTRA and NEUROTICA amongst others. Robert Trujillo would double up duties with both Ozzy and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY.

While all this road activity was going on millions of TV viewers would be tuning into the "fly on the wall" six part documentary 'The Osbournes', a quite hilarious peak at the private life of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne at home. This show, which rapidly climbed to the status of MTV's most successful show, also heralded the arrival of another part of the Osbourne clan into the music world when Ozzy's daughter Kelly cut a version of MADONNA's 'Pap Don't Preach' backed by Californian Hip Hop Rockers INCUBUS. Sadly, former drummer Randy Castillo lost his long battle against cancer on March 26th 2002.

The long running battle between Osbourne and his early 80s rhythm section of bassist Bob Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake was given new impetus when it was learned that quite incredibly the 'expanded' re-issues of the 'Blizzard Of Ozz' and 'Diary Of A Madman' albums had the original bass and drum parts excised and replaced by that of Robert Trujillo and Mike Bordin.

With 'The Osbournes' rating as the highest rated MTV show it would come as no surprise that a further two series were secured with the famous family netting a reported $20 million for the privilege. Ozzy would also land a cameo role in the latest movie from the Austin Powers series, 'Goldmember'. Also released in June would be a compilation album culled from 'The Osbournes' billed as 'The Osbournes Family Album', comprising of music from the show. Included would be Ozzy's own 'Crazy Train', 'Dreamer' and 'Mama, I'm Coming Home' alongside crooner PAT BOONE's take on 'Crazy Train', KELLY OSBOURNE's 'Papa Don't Preach', THE KINKS 'You Really Got Me', SYSTEM OF A DOWN with 'Snowblind', JOHN LENNON's 'Imagine', THE CARS 'Drive', STARSAILOR 'Good Souls' and ERIC CLAPTON's 'Wonderful Tonight'. The strength of the TV series was demonstrated when this record landed in the top 20 of the Billboard charts. Yet further spin offs from the TV show included a merchandise deal which not only saw the prospect of Ozzy figurines but Sharon, Jack and Kelly dolls too! Back on the musical front with Ozzy himself a double live album recorded at the Tokyo Budokan, and set to include new studio cuts, was announced for the Summer.

Ozzy pulled out of the Irish 'Ozzfest' event on Irish on the 26th of May due to an undisclosed illness. Further troubles hit the European leg of Ozzfest as ZAKK WYLDE reportedly fell ill, citing mental and physical exhaustion, necessitating a rapid return to America. The events in Zurich, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and Russian shows in St. Petersburg and Moscow were all cancelled. Some consolation was afforded by the fact that Ozzy was deemed by many critics to have stolen the show at the Buckingham Palace concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Ozzy triumphed with a rendition of the perennial 'Paranoid' which included a guest showing from TONY IOMMI. The rhythm section for this esteemed one off band comprised of the renowned session bassist Pino Palladino and GENESIS drummer PHIL COLLINS.

The first two North American 'Ozzfest' dates, Bristow, Virginia on July 6th, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 7th, would be re-scheduled when it was learned Sharon Osbourne was to undergo surgery for what was described as a "treatable" cancer. Shortly after Ozzy withdrew from ten 'Ozzfest' dates in order to be at his wife's side as she underwent chemotherapy, planning on a return for the Denver leg of the tour. During the interim SYSTEM OF A DOWN would extend their set to cover the absence. However, in actuality Ozzy would only miss two 'Ozzfest' dates.

The subsequent 'Ozzfest 2002' album not only boasted track inclusions from the event roster such as WHITE ZOMBIE, MESHUGGAH, P.O.D., ADEMA, HATEBREED and DROWNING POOL but also led off with Ozzy's own 'War Pigs'. ZAKK WYLDE would be in evidence with his own BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's 'Berzerkers' and also as guest for SOIL. Even KELLY OSBOURNE got in on the action, duetting with ANDREW W.K. on the closeout track 'She Is Beautiful'.

By September it would seem that Kelly might be in line to rival her father in the future as 'Papa Don't Preach' debuted in the UK singles charts at a healthy no. 3. Ozzy put in a solo show with a marked difference on October 25th at the The Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The promoters even went so far as to honour the event by producing Ozzy gambling chips in $5, $25 and $100 denominations. Ozzy would then be the subject of further rumours in late November, just as a second series of 'The Osbournes' was aired on TV to over 6.6 million viewers, suggesting his next album was to be comprised entirely of cover versions. There would also be talk of a Hollywood movie based on Ozzy's life, possibly with Johnny Depp as a candidate for the lead role.

2003 to 2007

OZZY OSBOURNE recorded guest lead vocals for The track 'Stillborn' on BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's April 2003 album 'The Blessed Hellride'. Robert Trujillo teamed up with BLACK LABEL SOCIETY for subsequent touring. A matter of days after this liaison was confirmed Trujillo was confirmed as the new METALLICA bass man. Another Ozzy headlined 'Ozzfest' extravaganza was scheduled for the summer in North America commencing on June 28th at the San Antonio, Texas, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Various supporting acts included KORN, MARILYN MANSON, CRADLE OF FILTH, CHEVELLE and DISTURBED.

In an unexpected and curious turn of events Robert Trujillo joined METALLICA in February whilst former METALLICA and current VOIVOD bassist Jason Newsted teamed up with Ozzy's band a matter of weeks later. Trujillo's laster performance with Ozzy's band came on 14th March at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new look Ozzy band debuted with a run through four tracks, 'War Pigs', 'Believer', 'No More Tears' and 'Crazy Train' on March 17th at a Los Angeles media showcase. Closing a 23 year relationship Ozzy left the Sony Music stable in May.

The 'Ozzfest' trek once again did brisk business, defying trends in its usual fashion. However, Ozzy was forced to pull out of one gig at Marysville, California when he contracted severe laryngitis. Also in July it was revealed that Ozzy had re-recorded the BLACK SABBATH ballad 'Changes' as a duet with daughter KELLY OSBOURNE.

With Ozzy recovered from laryngitis the singer reclaimed his headlining slot on the 'Ozzfest' dates. Unfortunately sad news arrived on July 24th when the singer's longstanding tour manager, Bobby Thompson, was found dead in his Detroit hotel room. Although still acting as Ozzy's personal tour manager Thompson had been battling throat cancer. Ozzy led a mid set silence and dedicated both 'Goodbye To Romance' and 'Mama, I'm Coming Home' to Thompson at his Independence Township, Michigan show. Ozzy pulled out of another show due to illness, making a non appearance at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey due to what reports described as a mild case of pneumonia. Mid tour Ozzy's last album, 'Down To Earth', received a platinum award for one million US sales.

An interesting aside came with the knowledge that the erstwhile 'Blizzard Of Ozz' rhythm section of bassist Bob Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake had formed up part of a much vaunted 'supergroup' billed as LIVING LOUD with strong DEEP PURPLE, URIAH HEEP and OZZY OSBOURNE connections. Spending the Summer months recording in Florida, the duo was joined DEEP PURPLE guitarist STEVE MORSE, Australian vocalist JIMMY BARNES and the BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE and OZZY OSBOURNE credited keyboard maestro DON AIREY to cut an album entitled 'Relentless' comprising five new songs and no less than six re-works of vintage Ozzy tracks.

Ozzy's UK and European tour dates were postponed, the singer undergoing an operation on his foot. Although the gigs were re-scheduled to commence October 22nd in Dublin, Ireland, and run through until 5th December in Munich, Germany these shows too would be curtailed under doctor's advice. Reports emerged that Osbourne was suffering from a severe tremor which required medication. Successive statements in the Los Angeles Times newspaper revealed that a Beverley Hills physician, Dr. David A. Kipper, was under investigation for oversubscribing medicine to the star. Osbourne revealed he had been prescribed a cocktail of over 40 pills a day including opiates, tranquilizers, amphetamines, antidepressants and an antipsychotic.

Jason Newsted stepped out of the group and the band rehearsed with FEAR FACTORY's Christian Olde Wolbers for a period. The European gigs, seeing Ozzy's band joined by ex-CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER, ROB ZOMBIE, SUFFER, DROWN, PRONG, DANZIG and THE DEATH RAYS bassist Rob 'Blasko' Nicholson, would be announced for a third attempt during 2004, these new dates including Ozzy's debut in Croatia at the Dom Sportova in Zagreb.

However, once more the live schedule would be put in jeopardy when Osbourne put himself out of action, crashing his quad bike at his Buckinghamshire home. The singer, apparently having to be revived by his on hand security guard Sam Ruston, broke eight ribs, a collarbone and a vertebrae in his neck. Part of the singer's treatment included the fitting of an internal 7 inch steel device to strengthen his spine. Just as this setback came about more positive news came with the entry of Ozzy's remake of BLACK SABBATH's 'Changes' entering the UK singles charts at the UK number 1 spot, his first ever top position in his homeland. Osbourne was released from intensive care just prior to Christmas.

Backing up this daily press onslaught in regard to Ozzy's accident and the success of 'Changes' press teasers leaked to whet the appetite for the official Osbourne's book 'Ordinary People' had Sharon Osbourne apparently revealing indiscretions with the late Randy Rhoads. More concrete facts came as Billboard delivered figures detailing that the 'Ozzfest' festivals had racked up a staggering $146 million over 236 shows and drawing 3.8 million fans since their inception.

In early March 2004 Osbourne filed an official complaint with the Medical Board of California, claiming that Dr. David Kipper had prescribed him excessive quantities of Dexedrine, Valium, Zyprexa and other powerful medications, which had adversely affected his mobility and speech to such an extent it had shocked viewers of 'The Osbournes' TV series. Kipper, who had charged Osbourne over $650,000 for his services, had begun treating the singer for drug addictions in June of 2002. He was fired in September of the following year.

Once again announcing he was to headline the 2004 'Ozzfest', over JUDAS PRIEST, SLAYER, SLIPKNOT, DIMMU BORGIR, SUPERJOINT RITUAL and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY a press announcement revealed that Ozzy was planning on having a team of doctors travel with him. In addition, Ozzy was to have use of "'several well-placed chairs and poles to assist him if he should need to sit or stand during performances". As was by now tradition, the rumour mill soon sparked up once more in regard to a full blown BLACK SABBATH reformation. By March TONY IOMMI was in negotiation with Osbourne and as the month closed speculation arose that Geezer Butler had supplanted Rob Nicholson as bassist in Ozzy's band. Indeed, just hours later Nicholson confirmed that he was out and intent on pursuing new music with his project THE DEATH RIDERS. As predicted, Osbourne would indeed head up the 'Ozzfest' festivals by fronting BLACK SABBATH once again.

Ozzy would auction off some famous pieces of onstage memorabilia in aid of the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Foundation in May, namely his custom designed water guns and 'Down To Earth' backdrop. On June 26th Ozzy, and daughter Kelly, performed at a free ROD STEWART headlined concert in London to to mark the arrival of the Olympic flame in Britain.

As 'Ozzfest' once again pulled in major audiences across North America, on a somewhat smaller scale former Ozzy guitarist BRAD GILLIS took an unexpected diversion as he hooked up with the "greatest Ozzy impersonator on Earth" Peter Marrino, a man noteworthy for having fronted LE MANS and CACOPHONY, to form up the tribute band OZZY UNAUTHORISED. Also on the tribute front a whole host of Spanish bands, including HAMLET, SÃ?BER, SARATOGA, SOZIEDAD ALKOHOLIKA, BARON ROJO and MÄGO DE OZ contributed tracks to a Ozzy tribute collection organised by producer Jorge Escobedo for El Diablo Records.

Ozzy's only UK live appearance of the year was to come on December 14th at the star studded 'Royal Variety' show held at the London Coliseum in the presence of Prince Charles. However, the star would withdraw, in order to undergo a further operation to ease pain caused by a metal plate that had been inserted after his quad bike accident. Ozzy was also announced as appearing at an all-star Tsunami relief concert at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California, but pulled out of this event too the day beforehand citing a "family emergency".

A revelatory interview printed within the magazine pages of 'Revolver' during January 2005 insightfully disclosed that erstwhile GUNS N' ROSES virtuoso player BUCKETHEAD had been granted a potentially lucrative audition to fulfil a guitar occupancy. The permanent trademark headgear associated with the eccentric axeman, a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket, was not to Ozzy's liking though and after quick debate the guitarist substituted a green Martian-esque hat acting as substitute. Nothing came of this concise meeting.

In May Ozzy learned that his medical problem were due to Parkin Syndrome, a hereditary condition that affects the nervous system. Previously he had thought his ailments, visible through body tremors, were due to sustained drug and alcohol abuse and also a mis-diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Returning to studio work, the The New York Post reported that Ozzy recorded a theme song for a new TV show 'Dog the Bounty Hunter'. MTV signed up Sharon and Ozzy for a fresh reality TV series 'Battle for Ozzfest' based upon a talent contest for bands, the main prize being a slot on the 2005 'Ozzfest' festival, touring money, equipment and a possible record deal. Meantime erstwhile ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist JERRY CANTRELL made public the fact he, alongside Chris Wyse, bassist for Cantrell's "jam" band the CARDBOARD VAMPYRES and THE CULT, were recording music for an Ozzy box set. Manning the drums would be Mike Bordin with Jim Cox on keyboards. Additional guitar solos and steel guitar came courtesy of Robert Randolph.

Subsequently, 'USA Today' reported this collection was to include cover versions of THE BEATLES' 'In My Life', BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD's 'For What It's Worth', THE ROLLING STONES' 'Sympathy For The Devil', ARTHUR BROWN's 'Fire' and KING CRIMSON's '21st Century Schizoid Man'. Featured on a take of MOUNTAIN's 'Mississippi Queen' would be guitarist LESLIE WEST. Ozzy would also share a lead vocal with IAN HUNTER on MOTT THE HOOPLE's 'All The Young Dudes'. The box set sold over 30,000 copies in its first week of US sale to land at number 36 on the Billboard charts.

October found Ozzy back in the US Billboard charts in a fashion as Southern hip hop pioneer TRICK DADDY's (a.k.a. Maurice Young) single 'Let's Go', top five in the Rap charts and top twenty on the national singles charts, featured a sample of 'Crazy Train'.

Ozzy was thrust back into the international headlines in November when he grappled with a burglar at his Surrey mansion in Chalfont St. Peter, Buckinghamshire. Despite catching the intruder in a headlock the thief, taking an estimated $3.2 million of Sharon Osbourne's jewellery, escaped by jumping out of a third storey window. Both Osbournes were unhurt in the drama. Sharon Osbourne subsequently appeared on the UK 'Crimewatch' television programme in an effort to track down the jewels.

Ozzy fronted up BLACK SABBATH once again for a Summer 2005 'Ozzfest' tour across North America. In June the Recording Industry Association of America revealed OZZY OSBOURNE had sold over 28 million albums in the USA, incredibly a full 13 million more albums than BLACK SABBATH.

'Ozzfest' ran without a hitch until the 27th July Holmdel, New Jersey PNC Arts Center, which saw BLACK SABBATH cancelling due to illness afflicting Ozzy. The band did perform an abbreviated set at Tweeter Center in Tinley Park, Illinois on 30th July but then pulled out of the Noblesville, Indiana Verizon Wireless Music Center show and a date at the Germain Theater in Columbus, Ohio. With Ozzy revealing he was suffering from "acid reflux" problems, the scheduled 7th August 'Ozzfest' at Float Rite Park in Somerset, Wisconsin was postponed to 10th September. At this juncture it was revealed that the singer was being coaxed through the shows by Ron Anderson, a retired opera singer, who monitored Ozzy's diet, lifestyle and even spoke directly to him on stage through an earpiece.

BLACK SABBATH's August 11th gig at White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington had fans witnessing the severity of Ozzy's ongoing vocal problems when his voice gave way in the midst of the track 'Dirty Women'. Ozzy threw his microphone down in disgust but was eventually coaxed out to struggle through the remainder of the set. The following day the singer made an official announcement "After 10 years, the 'Ozzfest''s name and reputation have been established. It's time for me to move on and do other things." Ozzy put out an official call for a new guitarist for his solo band shortly afterward.

Ozzy, together with a band including guitarist Zakk Wylde, bass player Rob Nicholson and drummer Mike Bordin, put in an unannounced performance of 'Crazy Train' in Foxboro, Massachusetts for ABC's NFL Kickoff show leading into the season opener between the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders at Gillette Stadium. Ozzy showed his allegiance by donning a Patriots jersey.

In November both OZZY OSBOURNE and BLACK SABBATH were inducted into the UK 'Music Hall of Fame'. During BLACK SABBATH's live performance at the ceremony, held at the Alexandra Palace in London, Ozzy made headlines by mooning the audience. Ozzy also appeared at the 2005 Royal Variety Performance, held at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, on November 21st 2005. Performing his cover version of THE BEATLES 'In My Life', Ozzy's band for the evening included a guesting Slash from GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER.

2006 opened with news that, despite earlier press statements requesting audition tapes for guitarists, Ozzy was in fact to continue the relationship with ZAKK WYLDE. Holding down the rhythm section would be Rob Nicholson on bass and Mike Bordin on drums.

The Prince's Trust, a charity which aids young individuals from the ages of 14 through to 30 "..realise their potential and transform their lives ... through practical support including training, mentoring and financial assistance",celebrated its 30th birthday in splendid fashion with a star-studded charity concert held at the Tower of London, England on May 20th. Ably leading a talently established supporting cast, including ANNIE LENNOX and BEE GEES, Ozzy competently ripped through the early classic 'Crazy Train' and BLACK SABBATH's commercial mainstay 'Paranoid'.

Despite not being known for his culinary skills, Ozzy's presence in the kitchen was won as part of a charity auction, at David and Victoria Beckham's 'Full Length and Fabulous Party', when a businessman paid out £62,000 for the singer to cook him dinner.

'Ozzfest' once again loomed for the summer touring season, although Ozzy declared was only going to be appearing at ten of these shows. The supporting cast for 'Ozzfest' 2006 involved SYSTEM OF A DOWN, DISTURBED, HATEBREED, LACUNA COIL, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, ATREYU, UNEARTH, BLEEDING THROUGH, NORMA JEAN, A LIFE ONCE LOST, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, THE RED CHORD, FULL BLOWN CHAOS, WALLS OF JERICHO, ALL THAT REMAINS, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, DRAGONFORCE and BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME.

Unprecedented in the history of 'Ozzfest', Ozzy surprisingly dispensed with the celebrated main stage familiarities at San Bernardino, California's Hyundai Pavilion of Glen Helen on July 8th, instead choosing the more intimate, grittier second stage, located in a field adjacent to the venue's actual amphitheatre, donated a relatively scarce opportunity to resoundingly perform up close with the fans.

Ozzy revealed his latest studio album, billed 'Black Rain', was being wrapped up in November. In January 2007 Ozzy announced a wide ranging European and Scandinavian tour of headliners and major festival appearances backed by BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. Shortly afterwards a surprise announcement revealed that the annual 'Ozzfest' touring expedition would be a sponsor driven, completely free entry event across 25 cities of the USA.

In March LORDI, HATEBREED, NILE, MONDO GENERATOR, LAMB OF GOD, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, ANKLA, THE SHOWDOWN, CIRCUS DIABLO and DAATH enrolled onto the 'Ozzfest' roster. The following month the Osbournes announced that, following two fires and a highly publicised burglery, they were selling their Buckinghamshire home and relocating back to the West Midlands, purchasing a £3 million mansion built for the son of former British Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel in 1855.

Ozzy Osbourne and METALLICA headlined a one day 'Ozzfest' show on August 9th 2008 at Pizza Hut Park in Dallas. Also appearing on the main stage would be SERJ TANKIAN, KORN singer Jonathan Davis, HELLYEAH, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, SHADOWS FALL, APOCALYPTICA, IN THIS MOMENT and an "all-star" tribute to the late PANTERA and DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. Second Stage acts comprised SEVENDUST, DEVILDRIVER, KINGDOM OF SORROW, SOILENT GREEN, WITCHCRAFT and GOATWHORE whilst a third 'Texas' stage played host THE SWORD, DROWNING POOL, RIGOR MORTIS, WITHIN CHAOS and THE DESTRO. 

In 2009 Ozzy's son Jack's company Jacko Productions filmed 'Wreckage Of My Past', directed by Mike Piscitelli, and written and produced by Jordan Tappis, documenting "the life of music icon Ozzy Osbourne as he approaches his 60th birthday, can be viewed below. Newly sober, Ozzy has finally reached a point of clarity as he looks back on a lifetime of unresolved issues, unparalleled success, misdiagnosed diseases, severed ties, and a recurring dependency on drugs and alcohol". Jack Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne acted as executive producers.

In June Ozzy appeared as a special guest during a set at the Quart festival in Norway by former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash singing 'Paranoid' and 'Crazy Train'. In a post show interview Osbourne revealed "I'm getting a new guitar player as we speak", indicating his favoured candidate was from Greece.

Early August brought in rumours that FIREWIND guitarist Gus G (Kostas Karamitroudis), who had also played in MYSTIC PROPHECY, NIGHTRAGE, ARCH ENEMY and DREAM EVIL, was to perform with Ozzy at the Blizzard Entertainment 'BlizzCon' convention that month in Anaheim, California. This speculation was confirmed on 21st August.

Garry Sharpe-Young