Barking at the Muse: How Ozzy Osbourne Inspired My Musical Journey

Ozzy Osbourne—The Prince of Darkness. Whatever name you call him, one thing is for sure: he was a legend among the people. He was more than just a man; he created a legacy that resonates with us all. This is the beautiful sentiment that Ozzy has left behind. He was unapologetically human, a masterclass in staying true to oneself and demonstrating how passion, character, mistakes, triumphs, and humanity can lead to greatness. At one point, Ozzy was a lone outcast in the industrial plains of Birmingham, England. Little did he know that, almost 60 years later, he would have a career that would have a significant impact on the world.

The fascinating aspect of Ozzy and his career is that it has transformed into a sort of mythos within the metal and rock world. While myths in literature typically surround figures like the Greek gods—Zeus, Poseidon, Hades—in the realm of rock and metal, we have Ozzy Osbourne: a creature of passion wrapped in the flesh of an ordinary man.

From the dawn of Black Sabbath until his passing on July 22, 2025, he was a figure with a profound humanity. To the everyday person, stories surrounding him ranged from Satanism and metal legends to reality TV and the creation of one of the most successful music festivals, Ozzfest. The list of his accomplishments could go on. It is truly astounding that one man could be part of so much creation and success throughout his life.

I could delve into the history and retrospectives of Ozzy, but as I mentioned, his story has become intertwined with myths across the entertainment world. Few people have not heard his name. I believe the true monument to Ozzy Osbourne lies in the legacy that has touched the lives of countless people.

My journey and connection to Black Sabbath and Ozzy began when I was very young. I was born in the early 2000s, and by then, Ozzy was already in his 60s, with his legacy at its peak. Yet his name had become a household symbol for me. My father, born in the early '70s, had a deep connection with Ozzy long before I was born. The Black Sabbath and Ozzy records that filled his music library were introduced to me from the moment I was in the womb to this very day. After 23 years, those songs still feel incredibly fresh. From the first time I heard 'War Pigs' and 'Crazy Train' to the day I learned of Ozzy's passing, his music has entranced me.

Listening to Ozzy's catalog has always made me feel understood and recognized for my humanity. I have had a profound connection to each note, each lyric, and every rhythm. This connection was the true magic of his music during my upbringing. I felt the raw power of his sound. Black Sabbath produced haunting and powerful anthems that spoke against war, bigotry, and everything in between, while also addressing how to find hope and meaning in the world.

To me, Ozzy's solo career has always shone even brighter. Not only did he make one of the most remarkable comebacks in rock history, but he did so with flair. I am continually amazed by how Ozzy surrounded himself with true greatness. The legends of Black Sabbath were joined by exceptional talents such as Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, Zakk Wylde, and many other amazing guitarists, drummers, and bassists. Randy Rhoads remains the only guitarist who could rival Eddie Van Halen. The visceral and beautiful melodies of Ozzy’s first two albums are masterpieces of songwriting.

In true Ozzy fashion, he faced disaster and still persevered, releasing album after album that amazed audiences with each new hit. He brought us countless classics, from the '60s to the present.

Zakk Wylde and Randy Rhoads were the reasons I picked up a guitar. Since childhood, I have been inspired and captivated by their talent. I have only scratched the surface of understanding what made them extraordinary. These two legends would likely have never crossed my path if not for the exquisite ears of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne—a true spectacle of taste and craftsmanship.

Years have passed, yet I still find lessons in Ozzy's life, both in the real world and the music world. When I referred to him as a "creature of passion wrapped in the flesh of man," I meant that he embodied humanity in all its forms. He was messy, loved, passionate, and sometimes a disaster. This complexity is what made him so relatable to the masses. He continued to move forward, facing challenges from his youth until his death. Not a single day passed that Ozzy wasn’t unapologetically himself, and that has always inspired me.

Like many, I believed he was immortal—capable of outlasting me and perhaps even the world. Sadly, Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, was outlived by the very entity he helped create. While he may not be immortal in a literal sense, he will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those he influenced and inspired.

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Nick Cline is the powerhouse behind the Louisiana-based band, Phantum Sun, and loves checking out new music. Got something you think he'd like? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com.