Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Ozzy Osbourne

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Ozzy Osbourne.

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is a prominent English singer, songwriter, and media personality. He achieved fame in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the influential heavy metal band Black Sabbath. During this time, he gained the moniker "Prince of Darkness" due to the band's dark and heavy sound. After being fired from Black Sabbath, Ozzy embarked on a successful solo career, further solidifying his status as a rock icon. His solo work explored similar themes and continued his signature heavy metal style. Beyond music, Ozzy became a reality television star through "The Osbournes", offering a glimpse into his family life and contributing to his enduring popularity.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1978: Sounds Interview

In 1978, Ozzy Osbourne admitted to Sounds, "I get high, I get fucked up ... what the hell's wrong with getting fucked up?"

1981: CBS Europe Incident

In 1981, Ozzy Osbourne claims in his autobiography that he was invited to a meeting with the head of CBS Europe in Germany where he performed a striptease on the table and kissed the record executive on the lips while intoxicated.

1981: Dove Head-Biting Incident

In 1981, after signing his first solo record deal, Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off a dove during a meeting with CBS Records executives in Los Angeles, an act that became infamous.

January 1982: Bat Head-Biting Incident

On January 20, 1982, Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off a bat during a performance at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa, leading to rabies treatment.

February 1982: Alamo Cenotaph Incident

On February 18, 1982, Ozzy Osbourne drunkenly urinated on a cenotaph near the Alamo in Texas, leading to his arrest and a ban from San Antonio. Earlier that day he had drunkenly fired his entire band.

1983: "Bark at the Moon" Influence on Murder

On New Year's Eve 1983, James Jollimore killed a woman and her two sons in Halifax, Nova Scotia, after listening to the "Bark at the Moon" song, which a friend claimed made him feel strange and incited violence.

May 1984: Arrested in Memphis

In May 1984, Ozzy Osbourne was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee for public intoxication.

1984: Suicide Solution Controversy

In 1984, John McCollum committed suicide while listening to Ozzy Osbourne's song "Suicide Solution", sparking allegations that Osbourne promoted suicide. The McCollum family sued Osbourne, but the courts ruled in Osbourne's favor, determining there was no connection between the song and McCollum's suicide.

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August 1989: Attempted Strangulation of Sharon

In August 1989, Sharon claimed that Ozzy Osbourne had tried to strangle her, leading to his six-month rehabilitation.

1991: Waller v. Osbourne Lawsuit

In 1991, Ozzy Osbourne was sued by the parents of Michael Waller for $9 million over allegations that his music incited their son's suicide. The courts once again ruled in Osbourne's favour.

2000: Lawsuit from Former Band Members

In 2000, former band members Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake, and Phil Soussan filed a lawsuit against Ozzy Osbourne, alleging he was delinquent in paying them royalties and denying them due credit on albums they played on.

2002: Lawsuit from Former Band Members

In 2002, former band members Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake, and Phil Soussan continued their lawsuit against Ozzy Osbourne, alleging he was delinquent in paying them royalties and denying them due credit on albums they played on.

January 2003: Hosting the American Music Awards

In January 2003, Ozzy Osbourne and his family hosted the 30th Annual American Music Awards, which was marked by controversial remarks and lewd humor.

November 2003: Lawsuit Dismissal Upheld

In November 2003, a Federal Appeals Court unanimously upheld the dismissal of the lawsuit brought by Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake against Ozzy Osbourne. The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that Osbourne does not owe any royalties or credit to the former band members.

2003: Medication Overdose

In 2003, Ozzy Osbourne told the Los Angeles Times how he was nearly incapacitated by medication prescribed by a doctor. The doctor was alleged to have prescribed 13,000 doses of 32 drugs in one year. However, after a nine-year investigation, the physician was exonerated.

2007: Free Tickets for Ozzfest Tour

In 2007, tickets for the Ozzfest tour were offered to fans free of charge, leading to some controversy.

April 2013: Relapse and Apology

In April 2013, Ozzy Osbourne announced via Facebook that he had relapsed into smoking, drinking, and drug use for the past year and a half, attributing it to a "very dark place". He stated he had been sober again since early March and apologized to his family, friends, bandmates, and fans for his behavior.