Written by Pablo (Photo credit – @pablo93X)
“Today, words fail me.
Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t just a rock icon to me – he was THE icon. One of the greatest frontmen to ever command a stage, one of the most fearless spirits to ever walk this earth. And for little ‘ol me growing up in Minnesota hiding cassettes from my dad, Ozzy was a symbol of rebellion, of power, of freedom.
My dad used to forbid me from listening to Ozzy – he called it “the devil’s music.”
But you know what that made me do? Listen harder. Not out of spite, but because there was truth in that music. There was grit and chaos and pain and power in Ozzy’s voice. It spoke to the misfit in me, to the kid who wanted more from life than rules and small boxes.
Ozzy gave me an outlet. A refuge. He showed me that it was not only okay to be different – it was *f*****g glorious*.
He showed us that you can blaze your own path, push the envelope, laugh in the face of expectations, and still be loved – revered even.
Ozzy didn’t just break the mold – he melted it down and rebuilt it.
Every scream, every wail, ever howl from the stage was a lifeline. He shaped so much of who I am today, as a fan, as a broadcaster, as a human being. I owe more to Ozzy than I could ever say into a mic.
And I’m happy to report that my Dad has since found appreciation for the dark side and I have since had the privilege to take him to see Ozzy live.
So today… I’m speechless. Heartbroken. The world feels dimmer without that maniacal laugh echoing through it.
But at the same time, I’m grateful. Grateful that I lived in a time where I could feel the shockwave of his legacy firsthand. Grateful to have been in his presence more times than that kid listening to secret cassettes would have ever dreamed. Grateful for every record, every riff, every moment.
Rest in power, Ozzy. The throne is yours forever.
You were, and always will be, my hero.”
