Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Ozzy Osbourne is being remembered for not only his influence on the hard rock and metal genres, but also on the music and entertainment industries as a whole.
A day after the announcement of his death, music historian and expert Eric Alper told us Ozzy rallied like no one else after he was fired from Black Sabbath for his excessive drinking and drug use.
Ozzy’s solo career was his next big impact on the industry.
Another new concept Ozzy brought to the industry was transparency.
Alper says Osbourne didn’t make excuses when his demons got the better of him and affected his music and ultimately his fans.
Ozzy and his creative crew, including his wife Sharron, had influence beyond the recording industry too. TMZ has said their MTV show “The Osbournes” paved the way for shows like “Keeping up with the Kardashians” and the “Real Housewives” series.
Alper says that kind of reach was rare. Collaborations proved just how many in the industry, beyond the heavy metal and hard rock scenes, were influenced by man known as the Prince of Darkness.
Tributes have been pouring in since news of Osbourne’s death was shared by his family Tuesday afternoon.
Black Sabbath co-founder Tony Iommi said he was in shock, especially in the wake of Sabbath’s final show on July 5th in Birmingham, England where the band was born.
Others to share tributes include Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, Queen guitarist Brian May, and Lady Gaga who wore an Ozzy shirt while performing Tuesday night in San Francisco.
Statements from bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Aerosmith, Coldplay and Metallica among many others have also poured in.
Ozzy Osbourne died at home surrounded by the love of his family early Tuesday morning. He revealed in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons, following a rash of other health-related issues that cancelled shows in the late 20-teens.
The pioneering musician was 76 years-old.
Written by Bob Perreault
