A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne: The Prince of Darkness

A tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at 75, celebrating his iconic career, his recent farewell concert, and five of his greatest songs.

Today, the music world mourns the passing of a true legend. The iconic "Prince of Darkness," Ozzy Osbourne, died at the age of 76, leaving an indelible mark on rock history. His passing comes just over two weeks after his poignant farewell concert, "Back to the Beginning," held on July 5, 2025, in his hometown of Birmingham, England. This historic event saw him reunite with the original Black Sabbath lineup for the first time in 20 years, performing from a special throne due to his health, and delivering a powerful final bow to his devoted fans. During the show, he expressed his profound gratitude to the audience, telling them, "You've no idea how I feel - thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Born John Michael Osbourne, Ozzy's journey from humble beginnings to global superstardom is a testament to his unique talent and enduring appeal. He first rose to prominence as the electrifying frontman of Black Sabbath, a band widely credited with pioneering the heavy metal genre. His distinctive vocals, theatrical stage presence, and often controversial antics cemented his place as a rock icon.

Following his departure from Black Sabbath, Ozzy launched a hugely successful solo career, proving his formidable presence as an artist in his own right. Throughout his life, he navigated personal challenges, embraced reality television with his family, and continued to tour and record, always maintaining that unique blend of vulnerability and raw power that captivated millions. His influence on generations of musicians is immeasurable, and his legacy as a true original is undeniable.

As we reflect on his passing, we celebrate the extraordinary music he left behind. Here are five songs that truly showcase the breadth and impact of his remarkable career, as featured on The Bay 88.7 with Sarah Coombs.

The Bay’s Drive at Five:

5. Black Sabbath - "Paranoid"

An absolute classic, "Paranoid," released in 1970, is a concise, driving masterpiece that became an anthem for a generation. Its short, sharp structure perfectly encapsulates Black Sabbath's groundbreaking sound – heavy riffs, dark themes, and Ozzy's unmistakable voice. This song solidified their place as metal pioneers and remains instantly recognizable worldwide. Poignantly, "Paranoid" was also the last song Ozzy ever sang onstage during his farewell concert.

4. Ozzy Osbourne - "Crazy Train"

From his debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz (1980), "Crazy Train" became Ozzy's signature solo hit. It's a vibrant explosion of energy featuring one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history, thanks to the late, great Randy Rhoads. The track showcased Ozzy's ability to reinvent himself and proved he could deliver catchy, powerful rock anthems independently.

3. Black Sabbath - "Changes"

A surprising departure for Black Sabbath, "Changes" from their 1972 album, Vol. 4, is a beautiful, melancholic ballad. It features Ozzy's heartfelt vocals over a piano melody, serving as a testament to the band's versatility and Ozzy's emotional depth, revealing a softer, more introspective side to the Prince of Darkness.

2. Black Sabbath - "Sweet Leaf"

Returning to the heavy side, "Sweet Leaf" from Black Sabbath's 1971 album, Master of Reality, opens with a distinctive cough before launching into one of the band's most crushing and iconic riffs. It's a quintessential Black Sabbath song, embodying their heavy, sludgy sound and Ozzy's commanding delivery – raw, powerful, and undeniably heavy metal.

1. Ozzy Osbourne - "See You on the Other Side"

Finally, a song that carries particular poignancy today: "See You on the Other Side" from Ozzy's 1995 album, Ozzmosis. This powerful ballad, co-written with Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister, is a reflective and emotional track about saying goodbye. It showcases Ozzy's enduring vocal strength and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Today, it serves as a moving farewell from a man who gave us so much.

Ozzy Osbourne's impact on music and popular culture is immeasurable. He was a survivor, a showman, and a true original who will be profoundly missed. The Prince of Darkness may have left us, but his music and his legend will live on forever.

Sources:

• Archival interviews with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath members.
• Music industry publications and biographies.
• The Bay's music library and historical charts.
• Information regarding Ozzy Osbourne's "Back to the Beginning" farewell concert on July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England.