07/30/2025
A day without conflict and bickering over politics, no online arguing between Democrats and Republicans. A day of solitude and peace among all. What a beautiful picture i just painted. This day was real and took place just over a week ago on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Oh, what a beautiful day this was. One might even compare this day to the days following the September 11th attacks on our country. At that time, we came together setting aside our political differences. We stood in solidarity as one united nation against all evil-- foreign and domestic. I speak about this cheerful day on July 22nd, because similar to those days following September 11th, we set our political beliefs aside and we united once again; this time under one amazing massive umbrella; that umbrella being-- MUSIC. This is the magnitude music has on us. Music has this powerful force that unites and brings us closer together. One such artist who was a true pioneer and master of uniting a crowd in every sense of the word was Mr. John Osbourne. We all know him better as "Ozzy". While battling Parkinson's Disease, Ozzy and Black Sabbath performed their final show in Birmingham on July 5th. Although fighting through intense pain, Ozzy wanted to perform one last time for his fans. It wasn't about money. He didn't need the money, and furthermore, 100% of all proceeds from this monumental show went to charities on his behalf. Seventeen days later we would all be celebrating his life and his enormous contributions to hard rock and heavy metal after his battle with Parkinson's Disease would come to an end.
In 1997, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit, talk and visit with the "Prince of Darkness" himself. Although the details are lengthy but noteworthy, it is a day i will NEVER forget. How does a young 21 year old DJ from Syracuse, New York get this kind of opportunity? It's quite a long story to be honest. The details may be lengthy, but the fact of the matter is he was the first famous musician that I had the chance to meet. Over time many of my friends have asked me, What was it like to meet him? I'll say this, It was definitely surreal. I was jumping out of my own skin, star-struck and in utter disbelief all at the same time. Aside from the profanity he is known for, I can say he was one of the most charismatic, down to Earth and genuine people I've ever had a chance to talk to in the world of music. I've often heard people claim a correlation between people who use profanity often and intelligence. If there's any validity to that statement, i can assure you Ozzy Osbourne was a REAL genius.
Was Ozzy known for some outrageous, sometimes illegal behavior in the past?-- Sure l. Was he perfect? Absolutely not, but before you judge his character flaws and personality, I urge you to take a long hard look in the mirror.
Ozzy transcended music. The enormous outpouring of support for his surviving family is absolutely astonishing. Tributes, personal reflections and stories from musicians and fans alike, is beyond incredible! I know Rock N' Roll Heaven has gained one of the biggest rock icons of all time. Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince, Tom Petty and now Ozzy Osbourne are having one hell of a poker game!
There are many things we can remember Ozzy Osbourne by. I'd like to leave you with a quote from one of his most iconic songs:
"...Maybe it's not too late
To learn how to love
And forget how to hate. "
Written and composed by S. Bottley
Performed by Skorch
