Text by: Nando Machado, founder of Wikimetal
The day of Ozzy Osbourne has arrived. My first thought is that today is a sad day for music, but then I start thinking about his life, his work, his legacy, his talent, his history, his charisma. Impressive. I'm happy to have lived in the same era as this great artist.
The cycle has closed, Ozzy predicted his death and delivered the greatest farewell show ever seen. Just 17 days ago, Ozzy said goodbye in "huge" style with the Back to The Beginning to a packed stadium in Birmingham, his hometown, and streamed worldwide online. He sang 9 songs, received tributes from the biggest names in heavy rock and moved fans of all ages from all over the world.
When I start thinking about my relationship with Ozzy and his music in my life, so many memories come flooding back. From watching his videos on repeat a million times in my apartment on Veiga Filho street with my brother Felipe, Pit [Passarell], Yves [Passarell], Andre [Matos], Marquinhos, Daniel [Dystyler], and so many other friends from our "gang" back then, the "Devil Rats".
The first time I ever stepped onto a stage was at my high school talent show in 1984 with my band, Darkness. We played "Paranoid" (as well as "Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest ). I remember watching the video for "Speak of the Devil" at Carbono 14, and seeing the " Never Say Die" (by Black Sabbath) at Rock Show, rock cinemas that existed in São Paulo in the 80s. I also remember working as a runner at Ozzy's show at Monsters of Rock and having the opportunity to meet the Prince of Darkness and buy him veggie burgers.
That day, I saw Ozzy's show from the side of the stage, unforgettable. Unforgettable and countless were also the other opportunities I had to see Ozzy. There were two times with Black Sabbath and numerous solo shows, at Anhembi, in Porto Alegre, in Curitiba, at Parque Antártica, always with an incredible repertoire, always with great energy and a unique presence. I had the opportunity to photograph Ozzy, to go to his press conference. The voice wasn't the main thing, the magic was in the character and in the excellent songs that Ozzy created. There was an aura around Ozzy, and he, and especially his life partner and manager Sharon [ Osbourne ], knew how to package and sell it like no one else, throughout an extremely successful career of more than 55 years.
In any case, Ozzy has always been present in my life, a role model not to be followed, but one who nevertheless captivated generations and music fans of all ages, from all over the world. What a character, what a story: his impoverished childhood, the first (and perfect) Black Sabbath albums, his overcoming adversity after being kicked out of the band, his first solo albums with the master Randy Rhoads , the premature loss of his partner, one of the greatest guitarists of all time. The renewal of his career with Ozzfest, his reinvention with the Osbournes series, and finally, The End, 13, The Return to the Beginning, his triumphant return to Black Sabbath, through the front door. An incredible and unique cycle that I already miss.
Talent show playing Paranoid – 1984
Vegetarian burger in Pacaembu – 1995
Campo de Marte with Black Sabbath – 2013
Ozzy in Porto Alegre – 2015
