Ozzy Osbourne: The Untold Stories Behind the Rock Legend
Throughout his illustrious career, Ozzy Osbourne has solidified his place in music history as a trailblazer in the heavy metal genre. From his early days with Black Sabbath to his reality TV stardom on “The Osbournes,” Ozzy has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. However, behind the scenes, the Prince of Darkness has a slew of scandalous moments and little-known backstories that have shocked and intrigued his loyal followers.
Many fans fondly remember growing up with Ozzy’s music in the 70s and 80s, but a new generation was introduced to the iconic rocker through his family’s reality show. While “The Osbournes” showcased Ozzy’s life with wife Sharon and kids Kelly and Jack, few knew about his first marriage to Thelma Riley. The pair tied the knot in 1971 and welcomed two children, Jessica and Louis, along with Riley’s son Elliot from a previous marriage. The marriage was plagued by drug abuse and a hectic touring schedule, leading Ozzy to eventually divorce Riley and marry Sharon in 1982.
Despite his high-profile family life, not many are aware that Ozzy has five children in total. Aimee, the eldest daughter from his marriage to Sharon, opted out of the reality show and chose to live independently before filming began. In the documentary “God Bless Ozzy Osbourne,” his other children revealed that they didn’t have many childhood memories with their father, but they later developed a strong relationship with their grandfather.
One of Ozzy’s most infamous moments occurred in 1982 when he was arrested for urinating on the Alamo Cenotaph in San Antonio, Texas. This incident led to a ban on performing in the city, but Ozzy later apologized and made a donation to the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to make amends. Despite the controversy, Ozzy’s visit to the historic site in 2015 showed his humility and appreciation for its profound history.
Of all the shocking moments in Ozzy’s career, none compare to the time he famously bit the head off a bat on stage during a concert in Des Moines. The incident, which many believed was staged, was later confirmed by Ozzy in his autobiography. What started as a tradition of throwing raw meat into the crowd escalated when a fan tossed a bat on stage, leading Ozzy to unknowingly bite into the live animal. The rocker managed to finish the show before seeking medical attention for a rabies vaccination.
As Ozzy Osbourne continues to leave his mark on the music industry, his untold stories and scandalous moments only add to the mystique of the legendary rocker. From his tumultuous relationships to his wild on-stage antics, there’s no denying that Ozzy is a true icon in the world of rock and roll.