We never thought it would happen but Ozzie Osbourne’s in town for two concerts. The first was last night and the second show is tomorrow night. Already the chat lines and blogs are lighting up with Ozzie sightings around the area and with the news that he did not bite the head off any living creature.
“The Prince of Darkness” has never been to this part of the world before but his star power has transcended over 4 generations, mostly due to his re-emergence as a reality star. Nevertheless his very presence on the stage was a testament to our long-lasting “Baby Boomer’ performers.
I first heard John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne when he was the front man for Black Sabbath. It was one of those weekly occasions when we used to descend on the home of some friend who had bought the newest album. I learned about Jackson Browne, Lee Michaels and Neil, Young this way.
I never knew who Osbourne was until much later but I always recognized his voice. In 1979 I heard a clip on FM radio from an album called The Blizzard of Oz. I recognized the voice but couldn’t put a name to it. However, I should have known that the guitar player was Randy Rhoads from a favorite band of mine, Quiet Riot.
In his concert last night Ozzie sang Suicide Solution while spraying the front part of the audience with foam from a fire hose. The mid-concert break was a solo effort by Zakk Wylde whose wild, long hair was swept up by a wind machine. Several women rewarded his efforts by baring their breasts.
When he came back on the stage Ozzie welcomed Sharon and sang a song to her.
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