At a recent interview, Ozzy Osbourne disclosed the story of a horse being the influence behind his decision to abandon LSD use, aiming to live past the age of 76.
In a shocking turn of events, the world of rock music bid farewell to 76-year-old icon Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, 2023. His passing has left an indelible mark on the industry, with tributes pouring in from fans and peers alike.
Throughout his adult life, Ozzy Osbourne's drug history has been a defining aspect of his career and personal life. His struggles with substances, ranging from tobacco and alcohol to street drugs and prescription medications, have been a recurring theme. His first encounter with cocaine in 1971, introduced by Leslie West of Mountain, set the stage for a tumultuous journey[1].
Osbourne's substance abuse issues led to his dismissal from Black Sabbath in 1979, as his lifestyle became unmanageable and affected the band dynamics[1][3][4]. However, he staged an impressive comeback with a solo career in 1980, aided by his future wife and manager Sharon Arden. Despite ongoing battles with addiction, he produced influential albums such as *Blizzard of Ozz* and *Diary of a Madman*, cementing his status as a dominant figure in metal[3].
The pressures of fame and personal challenges persisted. During the filming of his family's reality TV show *The Osbournes* (2002–2005), Ozzy revealed his frequent use of drugs, heavy drinking, and prescription medications. The constant camera presence affected the family's lifestyle, with his children also turning to substance use. After a severe quad accident in 2003, he became dependent on prescription painkillers for recovery[2].
Despite decades of substance misuse, Osbourne demonstrated remarkable resilience. His longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde attributed his longevity to an extraordinary "fortitude," and despite numerous near-death experiences related to his lifestyle, he continued recording and performing into recent years[1][4]. However, health issues caught up with him, leading to the cancellation of concerts due to a serious spinal injury in 2023[4].
Ozzy Osbourne was open about his drug-fueled past, and in 2018, he spoke about his shift towards sobriety, giving up alcohol, tobacco, and drugs[1]. One of his most unusual experiences under the influence of acid was talking to a horse for an hour in a field, an encounter that ended when the horse told him to "fuck off," marking the end of his acid use[1].
As tributes flood social media, fans and musicians reminisce about memorable moments from Osbourne's career, and many share memories of his time with Black Sabbath. If given a choice between drugs, alcohol, and a gun, Osbourne stated that he would choose the gun[1]. He lived with his Black Sabbath bandmates and shared many drug-filled moments in a house in Los Angeles[1].
The exact circumstances surrounding Osbourne's death remain unknown. His family confirmed his passing, stating he was surrounded by love at the time. Ozzy Osbourne's life and career, marked by drug struggles and rock legend status, continue to resonate deeply in the world of music.
- The passing of Ozzy Osbourne, a globally recognized celebrity, has sparked an outpouring of news about his life and career in the realm of entertainment and music.
- Osbourne's struggles with substance abuse, encompassing tobacco, alcohol, street drugs, and prescription medications, have been a significant aspect of both his personal and professional journey.
- That said, mental-health issues weren't solely Osbourne's challenges; health-and-wellness became a vital concern for his family, whose own substance use was affected by the constant presence of media cameras.
- In a tribute to the iconic artist, celebrities and musicians have shared their remembrances, looking back on his unforgettable contributions to the music industry, especially his influential works with Black Sabbath.
