Billy Idol is one of many in the music industry grieving Tuesday after the legendary Ozzy Osbourne died at age 76. In Idol’s case, he credits Osbourne for “showing us the way” to succeed as punk-rockers. Just last October, Idol helped celebrate Ozzy’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist by performing “No More Tears” at the ceremony, joined by his bandmate Steve Stevens, one-time Oz collaborators Zakk Wylde and Robert Trujillo, along with the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith. During interviews at the time, Ozzy praised Idol and said he, too, should be inducted into the Cleveland shrine, and it was no coincidence that Billy found his name among this year’s nominees, even if he didn’t make the cut this time. Here, Idol remembers Osbourne for his indelible mark on music and the path he carved for those who came after him.
I guess he went out his way. I’m still in a little bit of shock because just over two weeks ago, he was on that Back to the Beginning stage in Birmingham. I didn’t expect this to happen, really. But I suppose that’s the way it always is.
I’ve known him over the years for a long time now. I did the occasional promotion things with him, that kind of stuff. Then I was part of his solo induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the invitation of Sharon. It was an incredible night, a great experience. It really made me appreciate what the Hall of Fame was really all about. Because you hear all the negative things, I just saw the positive that evening. Being part of Ozzy’s induction enabled me to do that.
I’m sure his endorsement helped me get nominated this year. Somebody like that making a statement like that was just incredible. He’s like David Bowie. Ozzy’s always been here as an inspiration for those of us who love music, showing us the way to survive through it all. Incredible, really. It’s hard to believe that both are dead now. Ozzy was just so alive, he had so much personality… being in the moment and enjoying it. His music was like that as well.
My bandmate Billy Morrison is one of Ozzy’s best friends. I’ve known Ozzy and Sharon a long time, doing various things with them over the years. Being British and in Los Angeles was a connection, too. He started his solo career at about the same time I started mine. Just the fact he found a way to survive, from Black Sabbath to a massively successful solo career. And then he brought it all back to the beginning with Black Sabbath making an album a few years ago. Just two weeks ago, he was on that stage having the time of his life. He really seemed to be enjoying himself.
Ozzy loved things. He loved the Beatles, rock ‘n’ roll music and those close to him. It gave him a way to live. At one point, he didn’t think he had any future. And it was like that for us in punk-rock, too. Rock ‘n’ roll gave us all a way forward, to go beyond them telling us there was nothing for us. And that was Ozzy. You hear a lot about his wild and crazy side, but he had a lot of love for things in his life…. his music and the people around him. Seeing him at the Hall of Fame induction, it was great to witness all the relationships he’s had over the years, how everyone loved him. And he loved them back.
He opened musical doorways for people like me at a time when we were very young and looking for inspiration. Black Sabbath and Ozzy were very instrumental in opening the doorway for punk-rock. In many ways, it was fueled by all the things we saw when we were younger, especially the Sabs and Ozzy.
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