The passing of Ozzy Osbourne has prompted fans to reflect on both his music career and his well-documented struggles with substance abuse.
The music community was taken aback by the news of the 76-year-old rock legend’s death, which was confirmed yesterday (July 22).
In a statement, his family expressed: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
Social media has seen an outpouring of tributes, with many recalling memorable moments from Osbourne’s life and his work with Black Sabbath.
Despite his history with drug addiction during his younger years, Osbourne’s fans have noted his ability to live a long life.
Osbourne was always candid about his past substance abuse. In 2022, he recounted the pivotal moment that led him to quit LSD.
Discussing his relationship with his Black Sabbath bandmates, Osbourne detailed their drug use.
In an interview with Classic Rock, he shared: “We lived together in a house in Los Angeles, rehearsed there, did loads of drugs and made an album: simple. Those were good times.
“At that time in America, people were very fond of lacing your drinks with acid. I didn’t care. I used to swallow handfuls of tabs at a time. The end of it came when we got back to England.”
Adding to his wild experiences, Osbourne once found himself conversing with a horse in a field after consuming LSD.
He recounted: “I took 10 tabs of acid then went for a walk in a field. I ended up standing there talking to this horse for about an hour. In the end the horse turned round and told me to fuck off. That was it for me.”
In 2018, Osbourne discussed his journey to sobriety after years of addiction.
Speaking with the Orange County Register, he stated: “I don’t drink alcohol anymore…I don’t smoke tobacco. I don’t use drugs…I’m doing good right now.
“I now think, ‘how did I think going into a bar and getting smashed and doing all that cocaine was fun?’”
He further reflected: “I have come to think that if right now you had a gun, a bag of cocaine and a gallon of booze and you said ‘Take your pick,’ I’d pick up the gun. It’s not worth it.”