I Am Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne is the biography of one of the most notorious figures in modern music history. Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham, England in 1948, Ozzy developed a reputation for wild and outrageous behavior the likes of which had never before been seen in music. From his early days in Black Sabbath and his subsequent solo career, to his star-studded tenure as the lead singer of The Osbournes, I Am Ozzy chronicles one of rock and roll’s most captivating lives.
The book begins with a brief biographical introduction to Ozzy’s rough upbringing in the English Midlands. Raised in an environment of crime and poverty, Ozzy underwent great hardships throughout his childhood and early teenage years that would shape his future behavior. Despite his hardships, it is clear from his narrative that Ozzy was always driven by an unquenchable ambition from an early age. He faced rejection from family and peers and was always seeking an alternative path. After leaving school at fifteen, Ozzy found work as a plumber’s assistant and became increasingly obsessed with the music of his idols, including Elvis and the Beatles.
Ozzy soon became the lead singer of a local band, Earth, and in 1969 changed his surname to Osbourne—a name that would popularize around the world. He was soon discovered by the members of Black Sabbath, and signed on as their singer in 1970. I Am Ozzy cleverly documents the creation of the heavy metal genre and explores the impact Sabbath’s music would have on generations of music fans.
By 1979, Ozzy had decided to leave Black Sabbath and devote himself solely to his solo career. What followed was a prolific career in which Ozzy had 25 top forty singles, including Crazy Train and Mama I’m Coming Home. His live performances were legendary for their chaotic energy, and sometimes for his outrageous behavior. Ozzy describes embarrassing moments he experienced on stage, such as urinating on the Alamo, or unintentionally swearing on live TV, as well as heartwarming memories such as receiving a standing ovation from an entire stadium on his final performance of Black Sabbath’s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.
I Am Ozzy also chronicles Ozzy’s relationships with his family, particularly his wife Sharon Osbourne and son Jack. These relationships are described with a deep love and respect, and is one of the book’s most enjoyable aspects. His daughter Kelly Osbourne is also featured, as well as rock stars, fans and even royalty.
Ultimately, I Am Ozzy is an honest and captivating glimpse into the fascinating world of John Michael Osbourne. From his rise to fame, to his many accomplishments and occasional blunders, it is impossible not to be engrossed in this candid portrait of one of the most successful musicians of our time. Ozzy’s engaging life story and unique charm come alive on the page, perfectly capturing the essence of one of rock and roll’s greatest icons.
