15. Ozzy Osbourne
Today's installment of Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Metal Bands of All-Time takes us to the "Godfather of Heavy Metal," John "Ozzy" Osbourne. As most people know, he was the original lead singer of the iconic metal band Black Sabbath until drugs forced the band to replace him. After encouragement from his soon-to-be wife Sharon, he began his solo career after discovering his musical soul mate, guitarist Randy Rhoads.
In 1981, Osbourne released his classic album Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. The duo of Ozzy and Rhoads was metal magic . . . albeit brief. While they only released two albums together, they will always be considered Ozzy's two greatest solo efforts. Unfortunately, on March 19, 1982, Randy Rhoads was killed in a plane crash.
Despite the loss of Rhoads, Ozzy moved on releasing some decent albums in Speak of the Devil, Bark at the Moon, The Ultimate Sin, and No Rest For the Wicked. The later of these albums featured the debut of Zakk Wylde. With Wylde as his lead guitarist, Ozzy recorded the best music since the Randy Rhoads' era with the albums: No More Tears, Ozzmosis, and Black Rain.
On a personal note, I have always been a huge fan of Ozzy ever since I first heard "Crazy Train." In my opinion, there has never been another metal artist who has transitioned into a solo career as flawlessly as Ozzy. If there was one individual that epitomizes the metal genre, it's Ozzy Osbourne.
I love Ozzy! There I said it! I have seen him in concert on three occasions, and he was amazing each time. He is and always will be one of my favorite singers.
Here is "Crazy Train."
And "Over the Mountains."
And "No More Tears."
And "Perry Mason."
And "Not Going Away."
As always,
thanks for reading!
Marty Sabin
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