TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - British rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, the former frontman of Black Sabbath, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.
Known as one of the founding fathers of heavy metal, Osbourne was famous not only for his raw vocals and theatrical stage presence but also for his outrageous and controversial antics.
Battling Parkinson’s disease and other health issues in recent years, he gradually stepped away from the spotlight. Still, his legacy remains unforgettable, especially the moments that shocked the world.
Here are some of the wildest things Ozzy ever did:
1. Biting the Head Off a Bat
One of the most infamous incidents in rock history happened in January 1982 at a concert in Des Moines, Iowa. According to ABC News, a fan threw what appeared to be a rubber bat onto the stage. Believing it was a toy, Ozzy picked it up and bit off its head.
He quickly realized it was a real bat and had to be rushed to the hospital for rabies treatment. The shocking act became one of the most enduring images of his career.
2. Throwing Raw Meat at Fans
During his 1981 Diary of a Madman solo tour, Ozzy took stage antics to another level by hurling raw meat into the crowd. Fans in the front row were regularly cursed at, spat on, or targeted with flying meat. Even before his solo career, Ozzy’s erratic behavior was already a concern.
In 1979, Black Sabbath fired him due to his substance abuse and unpredictable actions. He returned to the band in 1997, but his solo years were among the wildest.
3. The Dove-Biting Incident at CBS Records
In another shocking moment, Ozzy attended a meeting with CBS Records executives in 1981 to celebrate his new album.
He planned to release two doves into the air as a symbol of peace. However, things took a dark turn when he unexpectedly grabbed one of the birds and bit off its head in front of stunned record label staff. He was immediately removed from the building.
4. Causing Chaos at the White House
Ozzy's unpredictable behavior even reached the halls of political power. In 2002, he attended a formal White House event hosted by then-President George W. Bush. Reports said that after drinking too much, Ozzy jumped on a dining table in front of more than 1,800 guests.
President Bush later commented that the behavior was inappropriate and called it “a mistake.”
From biting animals to redefining stage shock value, Ozzy Osbourne’s life was anything but ordinary. His music and wild persona made him a symbol of heavy metal’s rebellious soul.
Istiqomatul Hayati contributed to the writing of this article.
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