David Halbe 
Ozzy is more than just a fabric of modern society. He’s become the very quilt on which the rest of musical entertainment rests. I urge you to find another artist, in any genre, that has done more for the art and charity of others than he has.
I’ve tried to write this tribute multiple times but there are truly no words that could ever capture the influence that Ozzy Osbourne had on heavy metal. You’d think a 54-year-old guy wouldn’t be upset about a celebrity passing away, but you’d be wrong.
I’ve seen Ozzy numerous times throughout my life and his concerts have always been a reinforcement, a ceremony of melody and behavior I have come to cherish. The show that sticks out in my mind the most is Ozzy on the Ultimate Sin Tour at the UIC Pavilion. This was one of the first concerts I ever attended. Metallica was memorable but unfortunately Ozzy’s show was cut short. I was too far away to tell exactly what was going on but it appeared Jake E. Lee was either sick or drunk. He was leaning off the amps nearly the entire time. At one point he stumbled off stage, came back to finish a song then fell again. If you were watching closely you could see him weaving about with a bottle in one hand and then poof!! Off the stage! It felt like Ozzy only played a half hour. He said Jake was sick and promised he’d make it up to us next tour, which he did if you saw the Poplar Creek show a few months later.
In my mind, Ozzy and his performance seemed like a way of life. After a meaningful farewell concert that raised over 140 million pounds for charity, just 17 days later, the legendary icon expired at the tender age of 76.
Ozzy left behind an indelible immortal legacy. None of us would be here without the tireless work of the godfather of heavy metal. When I think about the bands he broke on tours or various musical genres he exposed us to through Ozzfest festivals, the contributions are simply awe inspiring.
John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne was only 19 years old when he co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968. He participated in 8 studio albums before he was fired from the band in 1979.
Ozzy reconciled with Sabbath in 2013, and participated in Black Sabbath’s final studio effort, appropriately titled, 13.
Ozzy’s solo career was just as awe inspiring, releasing a whopping 13 studio albums, seven of which were certified multi-platinum in the United States. It’s been said that Ozzy has sold more than 100 million albums with Sabbath and solo efforts combined.
His final effort, Patient Number 9 was unveiled to high praises in 2022 and featured the guitarwork of musical legends Jeff Beck, Tony Iommi and Eric Clapton. Another amazing offering from the Prince of Darkness. With ‘English Guitar Royalty’ playing on this album, each song has its own unique touch and delivers sounds not often heard in Ozzy music.
Ozzy was also a successful reality TV star, contributing The Osbournes (2002–2005), Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour (2016–2018) and The Osbournes Want to Believe (2020–2021). Some say Ozzy has sold out… he sells out alright, again and again and again. He sells out because his fans love him, and I am included in this group.
Ozzy is more than just a fabric of modern society. He’s become the very quilt on which the rest of musical entertainment rests. I urge you to find another artist, in any genre, that has done more for the art and charity of others.
As I continue to live my life, I know the music of Ozzy Osbourne will live on. An echo for the ages, a celebration of music and lifestyle that has defined all of us. \m/
