Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne is a British singer, songwriter, and television personality who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, he grew up in a working-class family and left school at the age of 15. He struggled with various jobs before finding his calling in music. In 1969, Osbourne co-founded Black Sabbath with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is widely regarded as one of the first heavy metal albums. Osbourne's distinctive voice and dark, theatrical stage presence became defining characteristics of the genre. With albums like "Paranoid," "Master of Reality," and "Vol. 4," Black Sabbath became one of the most influential bands in rock history. In 1979, Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath due to issues with substance abuse. He launched a successful solo career, starting with the album "Blizzard of Ozz," which included hits such as "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley." His solo work further cemented his status as a heavy metal icon. In the early 2000s, Osbourne gained a new level of fame through the reality TV show "The Osbournes," which aired on MTV and showcased the everyday life of his eccentric family. The show introduced him to a new generation of fans and demonstrated his humorous and relatable personality. Despite numerous health challenges and ongoing struggles with addiction, Osbourne has remained active in music and popular culture. He has reunited periodically with Black Sabbath, including for their final album "13" in 2013 and subsequent farewell tour. Ozzy Osbourne is often referred to as the "Prince of Darkness" and is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of rock and heavy metal music.
