There are so many moments in life you forget. There are things you do over and over again, and then there are moments that change your life. I was snowboarding with a friend. I asked him what he was listening to. He just said “Sabbath”. We switched CDs and I hit play.
The way each of our minds works is so unique. I wish I saw images clearly, but it’s more of a feeling or an idea. Like I might think of a room, know the detail, but it’s never a clear image. When ‘Iron Man’ started, I swear the floor collapsed beneath me, and I fell into flames. I never heard a sound like that, and I knew I needed more. I was lucky enough for him to burn a copy of their greatest hits. That’s when I became not only a fan of Ozzy, but metal.
I have a few of his albums. Bought the last two when the first dropped on CD. In hindsight, I was lucky enough to see him after he just got some new meds with Rob Zombie. I moved out on my own. I could only afford one game for months. It was Brutal Legend with Ozzy. From reality TV to music, he has been there since that cold day on the mountains. The rational side of my brain knew he was human, but the idea of no Ozzy just doesn’t feel real. He is the fucking Prince of Darkness.
The thing with Ozzy was a tragic, brilliant god. He lived a life most can only dream of. A lot of highs and a ton of lows. Seeing the ‘Back to the Basics’ concert, I get the idea he would have done almost anything to get those years back for more time with the music. More and more, I see how computers can replace man, especially in the arts. I can’t imagine a world with Ozzy and art. I am grateful I got to see him live and live in the time of the Dark Prince.
This reminds me of Bowie, Williams, and Bourdain’s death. I never got to meet any of them, but they shaped my world. The world feels smaller with fewer and fewer titans walking around. They all reminded me how wonderful this world is and to challenge things. To this day, any of Ozzy’s big hits come on, and I know the words. His music shaped not only my taste, but my art. You don’t get Bang without a mix of ‘War Pigs’ and ‘Dreamers’. Thank you, Dark Prince. Rest well and enjoy all those friends who caught that one-way ticket.
-Greathouse