Diary of a Madman - Ozzy Osbourne: The Stories Behind the Classic Songs

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Thunder's Mouth Press, 2002 - Music - 143 pages
Rock and roll will never die and neither will the legend of Ozzy Osbourne. In the 30 years he has spent behind the microphone, Ozzy has built a legacy that will never be surpassed in the music industry. From his stellar days with the influential Black Sabbath to his solo career, there are few heavy metal artists that even come close to bolstering a record like Ozzy’s. At the age of 53, Ozzy now finds himself as popular as ever, starring in his own TV show -- the MTV reality show The Osbournes that attracted 8 million viewers in the U.S. for its first season -- as well as hosting the Ozzfest, an annual tour of heavy metal heavyweights which draws millions of fans throughout the United States and Europe. The book presents the Ozzy we have all grown to know in recent years through his most personal medium: his songs. Every classic Sabbath song as well as each of Ozzy’s solo hits are put under the microscope, giving the reader a view of Ozzy that few have ever before seen: that of an intelligent, caring, and brilliant songwriter. 120 color and black-and-white photographs are included in this intimate look at the lyrics behind the most notorious man in rock and roll history. Also discussed are the alcohol and drug-fueled controversies in Ozzy’s career such as his infamous on-stage antics, death-defying addiction, and numerous troubles with the law, including an attempted murder charge involving his longtime wife, Sharon. Some say his music has the power to inspire, others say it leads to suicide. Either way one thing is for sure: On or off stage, there will never be another Ozzy.

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About the author (2002)

Clerk has been writing about heavy metal music for the past twenty years. She is former news editor of Melody Maker and is now a freelance journalist writing about music. She lives in London.

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