Ozzy Osbourne, the peoples Prince of Darkness, took heavy metal into the light
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Ozzy Osbourne Dies at 76
Above: Ozzy Osbourne performs during a Los Angeles Rams vs. Buffalo Bills NFL game on Sept. 8, 2022, in Inglewood, California. Image copyright: Harry How/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
From a troubled youth marked by dyslexia, abuse, and criminality, Ozzy Osbourne rose to define heavy metal. His raw, haunting voice and everyman charisma connected with millions, making him a cultural icon. Solo success, driven by Sharon's vision and Randy Rhoads' genius, cemented his legacy.
Narrative B
While Ozzy Osbourne's talent and innovation made him a metal icon, his notorious and often cruel antics — from biting bats and massacring cats to substance abuse — cast a shadow over his musical genius. Fellow musicians saw him as unprofessional or talentless, and his controversies alienated peers. His performative chaos and the darkness that continued beyond his music, while iconic, disgraced his legacy for many. Osbourne's existence beyond music carried over the darker aspects of his performative life.