Gone But Not Forgotten: A Rock Sins Tribute To The Prince Of Darkness

Now that the dust has settled from Ozzy Osbournes passing. Which occurred one month ago on July 22nd. With the Miracle Man himself now laid to rest and the media circus dissipated. The team at Rock Sins sat down and took a little time to process what the Prince of Darkness means to us-

Ozzy was always someone I looked up to. He was someone I could relate to, if he could make something of himself in this world, then maybe so could I? I remember always being aware of him, but never really connecting the dots. As someone who grew up watching grainy episodes of Headbangers Ball on VHS I’m sure I came across an Ozzy video or 2. It wasn’t until Down To Earth in 2001 when I really got my hooks into Ozzy. It was even later after that I even realised he used to be in Black Sabbath and discovered even more of his work. Its hard to sum up how much Ozzy means to me personally. He is everything I ever wanted in a hero, somebody who moved me, inspired me and perhaps most importantly he felt like he would always be there and in some ways he always will be. I was lucky enough to see him at Ozzfest in 2010 and when he headlined Download solo in 2018, and with Sabbath in 2012 & 2016 respectively. I feel lucky enough to have seen him perform as the stage was truly where he belonged. He created an entire world for all of us to live in, he loved us and we loved him. An ordinary man from the streets of Birmingham became a shepherd for the worlds lost, allowing us to find comfort, solace and unity in some small part. There are so many moments when the world has gotten a little bit too loud for me and his music has given me peace amongst the noise. Ozzy was a larger than life prescence, but perhaps most importantly he was human, he was humble and he never once forgot where he came from. I’ll miss you forever, but thank you for everything you gave this world, I hope you know how loved you are.(SC)

As a child of a certain generation, I was introduced to Ozzy Osbourne via the wacky world of ‘The Osbournes’. The eccentric, chaotic and messy tale of a rock n roll family. It would of amazed the 12 Year old me that the immensely funny, sweary, clumsy, (at times) bumbling patriarch was in fact ‘The Crown Prince Of Darkness’, the Godfather of Modern Metal with one of the most iconic voices in music history.With age came a deeper appreciation of Ozzy’s incredible legacy. Beyond his time with Black Sabbath, his solo career left an undeniable mark on rock and metal.And the truth is, whilst I know and really, really like many Sabbath and Ozzy songs, I don’t think I could consider myself a die hard fan that many would be, nor to the same extent as some of our other writers. My complete and utter admiration comes from the mass of musician’s who count Ozzy as a guide or mentor. Just looking at the astonishing list of renowned artists who consider it the highest honour to be a part of an Ozzy band puts it all into perspective:Randy Rhoads, Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake), Carmine Appice (Beck, Rod Stewart), Mike Inez (Alice In Chains), Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Mike Bordin (Faith No More) and Jason Newsted. This astonishing list does not begin to even cover the incredible names who joined the great man in the studio. Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy is carved in stone. The best part of being In today’s world, is that his brilliance is always just a click away, never forgotten and forever accessible.(TW)

Legend… A word that feels small measured against Ozzy Osbourne and his gargantuan legacy. A journey that started with a simple advert in a Birmingham music store window that read- “OZZY ZIG needs a gig – has own PA”. Which led a teenager from Aston on a journey that would see him become the godfather of heavy metal. Stopping along the way for a piss on the Alamo, of course. Quickly becoming a household name and a legitimate cultural icon.

Being from Birmingham myself, Ozzy’s music has always been somewhat omnipresent. However, it was when I first saw Black Sabbath in 2005 at Donnington Park that it truly took a deeper hold on me. To this day, bouncing around the crowd to the likes of Faries Wear Boots and Paranoid that night remains one of my most cherished gig memories. To call it a religious experience would be a cliché. However, the weight of their music and the power of their performance was both undeniable and all consuming. By the end of that night it was as though they had become part of my DNA. Black Sabbath were ‘my band’ now and nobody could take that away.

Like so many others before me, the trajectory for my life was now set. I can’t imagine where I would be without Ozzy, Black Sabbath or the genre of music they created. My friends, life experiences, the very landscape of my existence would be vastly different and I know I am not the only one. Countless tributes have been and will be written describing Ozzy’s iconic exploits. He embodied so much, to so many people that nothing I can conjure will do him justice. Forever unapologetically himself. He was a titan, a hero and the figurehead for everything many of us hold dear to our hearts.

The unadulterated outpouring of love and affection that washed over my home town during the week of his farewell show. As well as the atmosphere at Villa Park itself, was heartwarming beyond words. The same love and affection that brings us all together now, as we collectively mourn his passing. Ensuring Ozzy’s face will forever be carved into the Mount Rushmore of heavy metal. Just as his music and infectious personality is permanently etched into millions of souls around the world.

All I can really say is thank you. Thank you for being the outcast that made us all a family. Thank you for the memories and most of all, for the soundtrack to my life. John Michael Osbourne may have passed away this week. However, the Prince of Darkness will never die. To us, he will always be immortal. RIP. (JL)

Having parents who brought me up on classic rock music, it was only natural Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne would also enter the arena for me at some point too, given most of the bands I was introduced to existed purely because of the Birmingham legends. Although it’s safe to say like many others, at my younger age I absolutely did not appreciate or fully grasp the impact. It was only as I grew older and discovered my own favourite bands, the pieces began to make sense of how without certain musicians and bands others would not exist or be the people they are. Through this musical discovery I have extremely fond memories of Kerrang! TV on before school and falling in love with the guitar riffs and dreaming of being able to do that myself. Although this only ever amounted to experiencing it through Guitar Hero, there really was nothing quite like hearing those riffs in Paranoid or Iron Man when you’re getting ready for school. 

Not only were there bragging rights for creating such pioneering music and changing the game forever, but also creating a beautiful community to accompany it. There has always been a negative shadow around the rock scene but it couldn’t be further from the truth. The way Sabath and Ozzy not only created something special within their own right, but also created something for people to bond over and share many stories. Something that has been felt so deeply in the days since his passing walking through the streets of Birmingham. Strangers seeming as if they’ve known each other forever, sharing their special memories both through laughter and tears. 

As humans we’re all so complex and have so many sides to us, much like Ozzy. Of course it wouldn’t be a fitting tribute to Ozzy without mentioning the wild sense of humour that surrounded the Prince of Darkness. Since his passing it’s hard to not shout “I’m the Prince of Darkness!” whenever seeing bubbles. Having only experienced the comedy gold of The Osbournes via Tiktok snippets over the years, it’s been a huge comfort to go back and watch the series and see even more sides to one of the most legendary men in rock and metal. 

Despite being more of a casual fan, the heartbreak runs deep for the loss of a man that was anything but ordinary. (CT)

Following his passing. Tributes poured in from around the world. With seemingly every notable name in the industry paying homage to Ozzy Osbourne and his influence. Notable landmarks such as Black Sabbath Bridge, the numerous murals around Birmingham, Villa Park and Ozzy’s childhood home were inundated with people looking to lay flowers and pay their respects.

In a scene reminiscient of a state funeral. Birmingham Council closed Broad Street, one of the most vital arteries of the city’s road network. Allowing thousands to gather and pay homage to his funeral procession as it passed Black Sabbath Bridge. As well as the Osbourne family themselves. Who laid their flowers down alongside those left by the thousands of well wishers that had decorated the bench with their own heartfelt tributes.

John Michael Osbourne was then laid to rest in the grounds of the Osbourne family home in Buckinghamshire on July 31st. Under a tree, as per his wishes. After a small private service attended by those closest to him. Leaving behind a legacy unlike any other. As well as an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of millions of fans.

Even now, well wishers continue to leave flowers at Black Sabbath Bridge. Due to public demand, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery have also extended their Working Class Hero exhibit. Opened to coincide with Black Sabbaths final on stage appearance. Which will now be showcasing Ozzy’s achievements and awards until the end of 2025.

Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said:

“We are delighted to announce the extension of Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero to the end of the year. The public response to the exhibition has been overwhelming so far, demonstrating the love and affection for Ozzy from the people of Birmingham and beyond.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to Sharon and the rest of the Osbourne family for allowing us to continue to display this exhibition as a fitting tribute to Ozzy’s life and legacy and to enable as many fans as possible to come and visit.”

He may have started life as an ordinary man from Birmingham, but his legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace Ozzy.