John Michael Osbourne was born on December 3, 1948 in Birmingham, England. Throughout an extraordinary career, which has so far spanned three decades, Osbourne has made major contributions to the worlds of music and popular culture. As co-founder, lead singer, and songwriter for Black Sabbath (1970-79) he was, in effect, a chief architect of the genre now known as "heavy metal", creating the powerful new sound and provocative performance style that would forever expand the definition of rock music. Black Sabbath have sold more than 25 million records in the U.S. alone. In 1980, Osbourne debuted as a solo artist to widespread popular claim. Over the next two decades, his career continued to gain momentum with a series of highly successful albums, and he has brought his notorious live show to sold-out arenas in virtually every corner of the world. As a solo artist, Osbourne has sold more than 35 million records worldwide, bringing his cumulative sales to more than 60 million albums. Osbourne is currently visible on the smash MTV series "The Osbournes", a melding of reality show, soap opera, and sitcom that follows the lives of Ozzy and his family. It recently became the highest rated original program in MTV's 24-year history. The show is so popular in part because Ozzy's loving wife Sharon and children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack (Ozzy has two other children, Louis and Jessica, from a previous marriage) provide Ozzy a nuclear family life that one would not normally associate with a star sometimes referred to as the "Madman of Rock". As the founder and star attraction of the annual "Ozzfest" tour, he continues to win legions of new fans while at the same time building the hard rock audience by introducing standing-room-only crowds to emerging artists in the genre. Ozzy transcends all boundaries and categories and is now among the elite few who can lay claim to being eternally "cool", viable, and vital in a pop world under constant upheaval and change. Put simply, Ozzy rocks! He is the godfather of Heavy Metal.

BLIZZARD OF OZZ (1981, 1995) EPIC/SONY

Ozzy's first solo-effort, is nothing but a heavy metal classic! Ok, I'll admit that the album is not perfect, 'cause there are tracks here I don't like, but all in all this is a GREAT disc. Not many artists can leave a successful band, and then gain just as much respect as a solo-artist. But Ozzy managed to pull it through, and he sets the standard right from the start. One thing that make this album so great, besides Ozzy's unique voice, is of course Randy Rhoads outstanding guitar work. This former Quiet Riot axe-man, is in my opinion, one of the most underrated guitarists in the world. Together with Savatage's Criss Oliva, these guys were one of a kinds, that never got the respect they deserved. Lee Kerslake also played drums with Uriah Heep. This album is A MUST!

My version of 'Blizzard...' is the remastered version, with crappy artwork, and no bonus-material. Click here to see the original artwork, it is way better.

Killer tracks: Crazy Train, Goodbye To Romance, Suicide Solution, Mr. Crowley, Revelation (Mother Earth)

Rock trivia: 2 of the tracks on this album caused some controversy. "Mr. Crowley" was said to be a homage to the well known Satanist, but if you listen to the lyrics, you'll find that Ozzy is really questioning Crowley's lifestyle. "Suicide Solution" even got Ozzy a lawsuit. The claim was that the track had caused a teenager to commit suicide. But also here the track is really about the opposite. It's an anti-suicide tune, written about the tragic death of friend, and AC/DC singer, Bon Scott!

DIARY OF A MADMAN (1981, 1995) EPIC/SONY

Over The Mountain Flying High Again You Can't Kill Rock And Roll Believer Little Dolls Tonight S.A.T.O. Diary Of A Madman

Line-up: Ozzy Osbourne - Vocals Randy Rhoads - Guitar Robert Daisley - Bass Lee Kerslake - Drums

Already in the same year as his debut, Ozzy's second album was released. 'Diary Of A Madman' brings us the same line-up and the same controversial cover-artwork. But in my opinion it doesn't have as many great songs as the debut did. The band do experiment with a slightly progressive title track, and 'Over The Mountain' became a minor hit for the madman. But ask me what album "Little Dolls" are from, and I would probably don't know. Tragically Randy Rhoads was killed in a plane-crash in March of 1982, so this became the last album featuring his great guitar-work (not counting the 'Tribute' album of course). Click here to se the full, original artwork.

Killer tracks: You Can't Kill Rock And Roll, Believer, Diary Of A Madman

SPEAK OF THE DEVIL (1982, 1995) EPIC/SONY

Symptom Of The Universe Snowblind Black Sabbath Faries Wear Boots War Pigs The Wizard N.I.B. Sweet Leaf Never Say Die Sabbath Bloody Sabbath Iron Man/Children Of The Grave Paranoid

Line-up: Ozzy Osbourne - Vocals Brad Gillis - Guitar Rudy Sarzo - Bass Tommy Aldridge - Drums   Recorded live at The Ritz, New York, 26/27 Sept '82

Ozzy was on the downside when he was pushed to do this album, as a contractual obligation. Rhandy Rhoads had recently died, and Ozzy's health was really bad, after years of alcohol and drug abuse. It was decided to record no songs from the solo-albums, because Ozzy didn't want to be accused of cashing in on Randy's death. In came Brad Gillis from Nightranger, and also Rudy Sarzo of Quiet Riot. The band decided to have some fun. Trying to vitalize these old classic tunes is a task no one ever should try, except Black Sabbath themselves. Still I find the album quite pleasant to listen too. After all, it is a very strong set list. The original cover design by Steve 'Krusher' Joule was one of the most striking and controversial of the early Eighties. It depicts Ozzy with what appears to be bits of his insides, but was actually strawberry jam (!!), sprouting from a mouth made more hideous by a pair of fangs. It caused shock waves, but all helped sustain the atmosphere of madness and crazed humor. This album was also released under the title 'Talk Of The Devil', which is the version I used to own, before I replaced it with this remastered version.

BARK AT THE MOON (1983, 1995) EPIC/SONY

When I first obtained this album, I didn't care much for it. So getting it on CD was not a priority. But I was apparently missing out! This is a GREAT album. And it contains just as many classic Ozzy tracks, as any of it's 2 predecessors. It also has some of the best "unknown" tracks on it. "You're No Different" is one of them. Ozzy is kind of famous for having the best guitarists around on his albums. And Jake E.Lee is a tremendous axe-man. He is a fine replacement for Randy Rhoads. This remastered version contains both "Slow Down" and "Spiders In The Night", and that is the first time they appear together on a version of this album. Don Airey has also played with Rainbow. Another MUST! Click here to see the original artwork.

Killer tracks: Bark At The Moon, You're No Different, Now You See It (Now You Don't), So Tired, Waiting For Darkness

THE ULTIMATE SIN (1986, 1995) EPIC/SONY

The Ultimate Sin Secret Loser Never Know Why Thank God For The Bomb Never Lightning Strikes Killer Of Giants Fool Like You Shot In The Dark

Line-up: Ozzy Osbourne - Vocals Jake E.Lee - Guitar Phil Soussan - Bass Guitar Randy Castillo - Drums

After many successful records, Ozzy releases his best album so far! This is truly my favorite by the madman! I have so many memories about this album. It contains one of the songs I listened to the most, while growing up ("Killer Of Giants"). I even attempted to play this track on violin! Included is also a song I remember from one of my favorite movies, while growing up ("Secret Loser" is included in the movie "The Wraith"). The only track I don't like on this album, is "Fool Like You". The rest are all heavy metal classics! My version is another one of those reissues with crappy artwork. Click here to see the original cover. If you are thinking about getting into Ozzy, this is the place to start. A MUST!!

Killer tracks: All but "Fool Like You"

TRIBUTE (1987) EPIC/SONY

I Don't Know Crazy Train Believer Mr. Crowley Flying High Again Revelation (Mother Earth) Steal Away (The Night) (with drum solo) Suicide Solution (with guitar solo) Iron Man Children Of The Grave Paranoid Goodbye To Romance No Bone Movies Dee (Randy Rhoads studio outtakes)

'Tribute' isn't credited as an Ozzy album. The cover says Ozzy Osbourne/Randy Rhoads, and the title 'Tribute' says it all. I believe this album was going to be released shortly after Randy's tragic and untimely death. But was later postponed. To me, this is one of the finest live-recordings of all times. I guess I'm just being sentimental, but when I grew up there were 3 live-albums that stood out: KISS - 'Alive', Iron Maiden - 'Live After Death' and Ozzy's 'Tribute'! It really is that good to me. Randy was, and still is, one of the finest guitarists that ever lived. And these recordings prove it. Originally released as a double LP, this reissue sees the album released as a single CD, with the usual crappy cover! Click here to see the original large picture. The madman has releases numerous live-albums, EP's etc. But none of the others can ever match this one, with Randy playing lead guitar. I love all the tracks, except for "Steal Away (The Night)" and "No Bone Movies".

NO REST FOR THE WICKED (1988, 1995) EPIC/SONY

When this was a new release, I listened to it so much, I almost wore it out (those were the vinyl days). In fact, I listened to it so much, I eventually grew tired of it. It is the classic Ozzy album I like the least, but that actually says more about this man's creativity. Ozzy is going through one of his numerous rehabs, and writes stuff like "Demon Alcohol". "Bloodbath In Paradise" is about the Charles Manson incident, while "Miracle Man" is about the TV-preacher, Jimmy Swaggart. New guitarist, Zakk Wylde, makes his entrance. But I don't think he is done justice here. Listen to his playing on 'No More Tears', and compare to this album, and I think you'll agree. Not a bad album, but it gets tiresome after some 100 spins. Click here to see the original artwork.

Killer tracks: Breaking All The Rules, Fire In The Sky, Hero

JUST SAY OZZY (1990) EPIC/CBS (EP)

Another record-company marketing ploy. Ozzy himself didn't even like the idea, but says he is pleased with the result. He actually prefers this version of "Shot In The Dark" over the studio version. It's also cool to hear Ozzy and Geezer render through those Sabbath tunes once more. All in all more of a collector's item, than it is a record I actually listen to. Replaced the original version with the 1995 reissue, with the usual crappy cover. Click here to see the original front-cover.

NO MORE TEARS (1991, 2002) SONY/EPIC

I believe 'No More Tears' is Ozzy most successful album to date. He had a huge hit with "Mama, I'm Coming Home" (written to his wife Sharon, whom he calls Mama), and also the title track did great, even getting regular MTV airplay. I love this album too, but I sadly also dislike many of the songs here. Songs like "Mr. Tinkertrain", "S.I.N.", "Zombie Stomp" and "A.V.H" are just space-fillers, and the album would be much better without them. Lemmy Kilmister, from Motörhead, co-wrote 4 of the tracks, and Motörhead have also recorded the song "Hellraiser" for the "Hellraiser 4" movie. Zakk Wylde's guitar-style comes to it's fullest here, and what a player indeed! Ozzy really knows how to find good musicians. The track "Road To Nowhere" is one of my all time favorite songs. It just speaks directly to me, and although I've not experienced the life Ozzy has lived, I can relate to that song in an uncanny way. I replaced my original CD with the 24-bit remastered version, with 2 bonus tracks. The sound is actually so much better on it. And with the original artwork intact, and with some new pictures and liner-notes, this is a good replacement. The 2 bonus-tracks aren't of high Ozzy quality, but OK enough. They were originally B-sides to singles, released to this album.

Killer tracks: Mama, I'm Coming Home, No More Tears, Time After Time, Road To Nowhere

LIVE & LOUD (1993) EPIC/SONY (2-CD)

Another live album, from the original madman. The tour was entitled No More Tours, and the rumors started to spread as to if this was to be the last we saw of Ozzy and his gang. Well, even the booklet states that this is the testimony of Ozzy as a live-artist, and that he has been told to stop touring so extensively, because of his health. But only time would tell, at the time of it's release. I like this live-album a lot, but would have preferred that the set-list was a little better, and the solo-tracks were removed. But stuff like "Crazy Train", "Shot In The Dark" and "Road To Nowhere" are awesome!! Zakk Wylde does justice to Randy Rhoads on those early Ozzy tracks, and when Geezer and Tony accompany the lads in playing those classic Sabbath-tracks, It's not hard to see why they are the godfathers of Heavy Metal. Not the best live-album out there, but a must to all Ozzy fans!

My version is a special edition, with the cover being made out as a speaker cabinet, with steel bars. It also included the tattoo-artwork, pictured above. Click here to see the original artwork.

OZZMOSIS (1995) EPIC/SONY

It took Ozzy 2 years from his alleged quitting, to a new album saw the light of day. 'Ozzmosis' picks up where 'No More Tears' left off. Standard Ozzy stuff, and nothing more, nothing less. I don't think this is a very strong album. And if you told me that you liked the Ozzy track "Thunder Underground", I wouldn't have a clue what you were talking about. There are of course excellent tunes here as well, but all in all, this is a weaker album compared to this man's incredible catalogue. Randy Castillo, one of the longest running members of Ozzy's band, is replaced by an unknown chap, called Deen Castronovo. Rick Wakeman from Yes plays keyboards.

Killer tracks: Perry Mason, I Just Want You, See You On The Other Side

THE OZZMAN COMETH (1997) EPIC/SONY (2-CD)

After 7 studio-albums, and almost an equal amount of live-albums, Ozzy releases a best-of compilation. It's always a debate on what the track list should be on these best-of CD's. And I'm not very pleased with this one either. But it is of course a must have, because of the new track "Back On Earth" (not on any albums), and the Black Sabbath rehearsal takes. Yes, the 4 Sabbath tracks herein are taken from a rediscovered Basement Tape. One might wonder what on earth they are doing here, and not on a Sabbath compilation, but as the booklet states: "This is where it all began...'. The multimedia section is also very cool. There's a computer-game on it, where you are whacking frogs (!!), and when you choose between the different sections on the screen, Ozzy shoots a TV before you enter!! Humor only Ozzy could come up with!

TWO UP THE B SIDE (200?) CDR BOOTLEG

CD1: You Looking At Me Looking At You You Said It All - live Spiders In The Night One Up The B Side The Liar Purple Haze Mrs J - instrumental demo Won't Be Coming Home - demo Don't Blame Me Party With The Animals Living With The Enemy Whole World's Falling Down Voodoo Dancer Aimee Back On Earth Walk On Water Pictures Of Matchstick Men - Type O Negative

CD2: Crazy Train (remix) Born To Be Wild (w/Miss Piggy) Staying Alive (w/Dweezil Zappa) It's Only Rock and Roll (w/various artists) The Urpney Song Shake Your Head (Let's Go To Bed) - Was (Not Was) Led Clones - Gary Moore Close My Eyes Forever (duet w/Lita Ford) Therapy - Infectious Grooves Shock The Monkey - Coal Chamber Bombers Can Open Bomb Bays - Bill Ward Jack's Land - Bill Ward Buried Alive - Rick Wakeman Vertical Man - Ringo Starr I Ain't No Nice Guy - Motörhead Nowhere To Hide (w/DMX, Ol' Dirty Bastard & Crystal Method) Iron Man (This Means War) - Busta Rhymes

This is a bootleg compilation disc, which was given to me by a friend (thanks Scott). It contains most of Ozzy's b-side tracks, and guest appearances through the years. And what a fabulous collection it is! This kind of stuff should be released officially! To have the beautiful duet with Lita Ford ("Close My Eyes Forever") finally on CD, makes this compilation worth while alone! And having the duet with Lemmy ("I Ain't No Nice Guy"), without having to buy a Motörhead CD, is also a treat. "Born To Be Wild" is a Steppenwolf cover, a duet with Miss Piggy!! Funny stuff. "Purple Haze" is of course a Jimi Hendrix cover. There are of course some bad stuff here as well. All the rap-crap and remixed stuff, I could have been without. But all in all, big kudos to the guy who put together this compilation. One of the few bootlegs that is justified to own, in my opinion!

DOWN TO EARTH (2001) EPIC/SONY

Ozzy returns to his solo-career, after reuniting and touring with the original Black Sabbath. And what a return it is! This just sounds Ozzy, all the way through! You can sense some modern influences here and there, but mostly in the producing aspect, but nothing comes in the way of Ozzy's sound. Ozzy sounds like Ozzy, and 'Down To Earth' is another fine album in the collection. Listen to "Gets Me Through" and tell me that this guy has been in the business for over 30 years!!! The man sings like he is still 22 years old. Ozzy's best album in over 10 years!

Killer tracks: Gets Me Through, Facing Hell, Dreamer, You Know...(Part 1)

LIVE AT BUDOKAN (2002) EPIC/SONY

I Don't Know That I Never Had Believer Junkie Mr. Crowley Gets Me Through No More Tears I Don't Want To Change The World Road To Nowhere Crazy Train Mama, I'm Coming Home Bark At The Moon Paranoid

Line-up: Ozzy Osbourne - Vocals Zakk Wylde - Guitar Robert Trujillo - Bass Mike Bordin - Drums John Sinclair - Keyboards

This album is a bit unnecessary. There hasn't been enough studio-albums since the last live-album to justify a new one already. But if you look past that, this is a terrific live-testimony. I do not think it has been overtly tampered with, and the material on it, speaks for it self. It's actually good to hear the new tracks live. Usually it's the old tracks that does the trick, and believe me, they do so here too. But it was also cool to hear stuff like "Believer" and "Gets Me Through". He could have changed the boring "I Don't Want To Change The World" with something off the 'Ozzmosis' album though. If you are a fan, this is probably already in your collection. But if you are new to Ozzy, and want to hear the madman live, this is not a bad place to start.

THE ESSENTIAL OZZY OSBOURNE (2003) EPIC/LEGACY (2CD)

CD1: Crazy Train Mr. Crowley I Don't Know (Live with Randy Rhoads) Suicide Solution Goodbye To Romance Over The Mountain Flying High Again Diary Of A Madman Paranoid (Live with Randy Rhoads) Bark At The Moon You're No Different So Tired Rock 'n' Roll Rebel Crazy Babies Miracle Man Fire In The Sky
CD2: Breakin' All The Rules Mama, I'm Coming Home Desire No More Tears Time After Time Road To Nowhere I Don't Want To Change The World (Live) Perry Mason I Just Want You Thunder Underground See You On The Other Side Gets Me Through Freamer No Easy Way Out

The success of the MTV-series 'The Osbourne's is what's to blame for seeing yet another compilation album from everybody's favorite madman. There is nothing on it that a collector doesn't already own (except that the tracks are from the 2002 reissue series, thus the tracks from 'Diary Of A Madman' and 'Blizzard Of Oz' are the re-recorded versions). So it was only the die-hard collector in me that picked this up, when it was album-of-the-month in one of the CD-clubs I'm a member off. But if you are new to Ozzy's music, this is decent compilation indeed. The songs are in chronological order (except for the 2 tracks from the Randy Rhoads tribute album), but why on earth have they left out songs from 'The Ultimate Sin' altogether?? This is an outrage! At least "Shot In The Dark", a song that even got some MTV airplay back in the day, would have been a logical inclusion here. Oh well, It's still 30 songs of heavy metal history!

BLACK RAIN (2007) SONY BMG/EPIC

I'd never thought Ozzy would ever release another solo album. His latest tour showed a man who was not exactly on top of his game any longer. But wonders can be done with pitch control and other studio tricks, right? Nevertheless, Ozzy's voice is not what has gotten the worst critics on this album. It's the production that gets the thumbs down. "Too modern", "not heavy enough", "commercial" are all things I've read on the internet. And I must agree that this sounds more like mix of Black Label Society and Rob Zombie than it does any of the classic Ozzy albums. I can't say that I'm surprised though, as 8 of the 10 songs are co-written by Zakk Wylde, and all 10 of them is co-written by the producer, Kevin Churko. Still, I have to say that what matters the most is the actual song material. And I really find 'Black Rain' to be just as good as anything else Ozzy's recorded during the last 15 years. "Not Going Away", "I Don't Wanna Stop" and "Civilize The Universe" are good songs, period! And the 2 ballads, "Lay Your World On Me" and "Here For You", although showing Ozzy's current restrictions as a vocalist, are still also great tunes. So I'm not sure what all the negative fuss is all about. Sure, this is no new 'No More Tears' or 'Blizzard Of Ozz'. It's just another solid Ozzy Osbourne platter! I, for one, like it!

Killer tracks: Not Going Away, I Don't Wanna Stop, Lay Your World On Me, Civilize The Universe, Here For You, Trap Door

Ozzy Osbourne also appear on:

V/A - 'More Power Ballads'

Ozzy Osbourne guest appearances:

Alice Cooper - 'Hey Stoopid'

Alice Cooper - 'Along Came A Spider' (also as writer)

V/A - 'Nativety In Black - A tribute to Black Sabbath'

Jake E. Lee guest appearances:

Rob Rock - 'Rage Of Creation'

V/A - 'Metallic Assault - A Tribute To Metallica'

Robert Trujillo guest appearances:

V/A - 'Metallic Assault - A Tribute To Metallica'

Don Airey guest appearances:

Sinner - 'Comin' Out Fighting'

Metalium - 'Hero-Nation: Chapter Three'

Tommy Aldridge guest appearances:

V/A - 'Hear 'n Aid: Stars'

V/A - 'Metallic Assault - A Tribute To Metallica'

Phil Sossan guest appearances:

V/A - 'Hear 'n Aid: Stars'

Ozzy Osbourne tribute albums:

'Bat Head Soup'