I discovered Ozzy at the height of the Satanic Panic, when I was in the eighth grade. A friend gave me a copy of Blizzard of Ozz and I admit when I first heard it, I found it frightening. The news said this man was Satanic and a kid had killed himself to the music. I was used to the milder stuff and didn’t get it at first. Only on repeated listenings did I start to understand this was Ozzy’s act,  an awfully fun one that upset parents and made kids love him all the more.

No Rest for the Wicked, Bark at the Moon, Diary of a Madman, one after another left their mark. I learned he’d fronted a band in the early mists of time, before I was born, called Black Sabbath. Mind blowing stuff. War Pigs is still enough to give you chills. There’s no better music than this for kids who love Dungeons and Dragons, pulp fantasy novels, and sci fi and horror movies.

He was funny and had a humanity and warmth that made me enjoy his music even more. The Spinal Tap moments on his reality show were priceless, and he took it all in good fun, part of his madcap act. I never saw him, but always knew I could trust a fellow who told me he was heading to Ozzfest. They were always kind souls. I’m so sad to hear he passed away; I feel like I’ve lost a part of my childhood.

What a ride he took us all on. God bless you, saintly Prince of Darkness. Rock on forever.

Hand of God has struck the hour
Day of Judgment, God is calling
On their knees the war pigs crawling
Begging mercy for their sins