Rest in Peace to the Wizard of Ozzy

Over a week ago, on the way home from a comic convention in Birmingham, a friend and I were reminiscing. I told him about the time I was working a shift with a security agency at a stadium in Coventry — this was during the Olympic events. One day, outside the stadium, I spotted a guy dressed in a very familiar style. He wore a long black robe, had dark straight hair, round sunglasses, and was smoking a cigarette.

I said to him, “You probably get this a lot, but you really remind me of Ozzy Osbourne.”
He chuckled and said he wasn’t sure who that was — either he genuinely didn’t know, or he was just having a laugh. He might’ve known the music but not the face. Either way, he had a good sense of humour about it. Still, if it really had been Ozzy, he’d probably have had journalists swarming around him. And to be honest, the guy sounded more like Frank Gallagher from Shameless than the Prince of Darkness himself.

I’ve been thinking about that memory again after hearing the sad news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing. In my view, Ozzy was a brilliant vocalist — not just during his years with Black Sabbath, but also as a solo artist. Some of my favourite tracks include Paranoid, War Pigs, Crazy Train, and Bark at the Moon.

But if I had to choose just one favourite from his entire discography, it would be Changes (not to be confused with the David Bowie song). Whether it’s the original version with Black Sabbath or the later duet with his daughter Kelly, both carry the same emotional weight. The piano melody gives it a dramatic edge, paired beautifully with the song’s bittersweet lyrics.

Speaking of his daughter, I should also mention The Osbournes. I’ve never been big on reality shows, but I do remember catching it on Channel 4. Even though Amy chose not to take part, the show gave a glimpse into the chaos and affection of the Osbourne household. You had to wonder how Sharon managed to put up with everything — but through all the ups and downs, there was a real closeness in that family. Sharon especially seemed like a strong and supportive partner through it all.

I also knew Ozzy had been struggling with Parkinson’s for some time. I know someone personally with the disease, and I understand how difficult it can be — affecting movement and daily life. On top of that, Ozzy faced his own share of accidents and addictions over the years. I remember reading an interview where he joked, “I died on the way to the hospital — and I died when I got there too.” It was morbidly funny in that very Ozzy way. But now, at least, the pain is over.

It’s strange to think that it’s only been a few weeks since his farewell concert — and oddly enough, he and Sharon were meant to be guests at the very same convention I attended. I was there on Sunday, but they had been scheduled for Saturday. I was busy filming that day and missed them. It’s a bit like the story Cliff Richard once told about Elvis Presley — how he planned to meet him later, only to find out he’d died. Sometimes we think we have more time.

So, rest in peace, Ozzy Osbourne. Thank you for the music, the madness, and the moments. You made your mark — and you’ll never be forgotten.

And also, RIP to Brian Wilson, Michael Madsen, Mark Snow and Lalo Schifrin.