Ozzy Osbourne
... And maybe he was right. But any list of facts on a famous personality is also a fun read.
According to the Associated Press roundup of the most memorable entertainment events that happened this week in history ...
This week in 1982, singer Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off a live bat during a concert in Des Moines, Iowa.
So, this got me to thinking. I figured I'd do a little roundup of other memorable (or not), important (or not) but definitely random Ozzy facts:
-- So, apparently, the Godfather of Heavy Metal also plays the harmonica and synthesizer. Don't spit your Rockstar energy drink. I know it's shocking.
-- In 2007, the Great Ozz had a penchant for shows with kitschy exclamation points in the names: He appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" three times ... once on "Friday Night Smackdown!" and even at the "Happy Birthday Elton!" celebration from Madison Square Garden, New York. (!)
-- In 1984, a 19-year-old man shot himself in the head while listening to Osbourne's "Suicide Solution." Rumor has it that the song was written about his friend Bon Scott of AC/DC. Scott died from hypothermia after drinking heavily one winter night and passing out in his car. ("solution" meaning "mixture")
-- Also in the 1980s, a scientific research company was hired to evaluate his music after a lawsuit claimed his songs contained "hemisync" tones, which could subliminally influence people to commit suicide or even murder. Amazingly, the company supposedly discovered that the claim was indeed correct -- at least in part. They uncovered the hidden, half-speed, muted lyrics, "Why try? Why try? Get the gun and try it. Shoot, Shoot, Shoot." Osbourne said the sounds were random ones created from playing with the soundboard during recording. In an all such lawsuits, Ozzy was found not at fault.
-- Also in the 80s, he was arrested in Memphis, Tenn., for public intoxication -- he was found staggering drunk down Beale Street. Drunk on Beale Street! You better sit down that energy drink before you spew again. ...
-- In 2002, the Madman of Metal was invited to a White House ball by none other than President George W. Bush.
-- In 2004, Country Cow Creamery in New Jersey created custom ice cream flavors in he and his wife's honor, including the chocolate-laden "Death by Sharon," and "Ozzy," with spicy carrot cake and a touch of liqueur. I'd write some joke here about Ozzy being licked, but ...
-- In 2002, the pioneer of rock was immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, right in front of the Ripley's Believe It or Not? Museum.
-- In 2004, stolen gold and silver records won by Osbourne's band Black Sabbath were recovered after thieves dumped them behind trash cans in southeast England.
-- In December 2007, rabid Ozzy fans bid against sophisticated fine art buyers for a coat with embroidered bats, sneakers with skulls on them and other items put up for Julien's Auctions to raise some $400,000 for the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program.
