James McMahon of The Guardian spoke with Ozzy Osbourne. Excerpts from the article appear, below.
I am so pleased…
Ozzy: I gave up drinking. At one point, I never ever imagined going a day. I was a raging alcoholic. When I used to drink booze, I’d buy a Ferrari or whatever, and Sharon would always be getting rid of them so I didn’t do anything stupid when I was drunk.
I’d like to be…
Ozzy: remembered for the work I did with Black Sabbath. I’m so proud of the music. But to be honest, just being remembered would be an achievement to me. I come from Aston in Birmingham, y’know? I used to play on bombsites. I don’t get to go back very often, but I went back for some BBC show once. There’s a guy living in the house I grew up in, and they charge people £200 to sleep in the bedroom I had as a kid.
Decision making…
Ozzy: is not a strong point for me. I have real problems with that. “Ozzy, do you want the red one or the black one?” “Oh I don’t f–king know, you pick.”
It’s crazy…
Ozzy: that anyone would think I’d be in league with the devil, because I’m terrified of all kinds of s–t. I’m very superstitious. I have to try not to be, otherwise I wouldn’t leave the house.
I tell you…
Ozzy: what I am scared of…rats. They’ve got so many diseases we don’t have the cure for. Also, I’m scared of war. I was so pleased I grew up after the war. Now it feels like there’s a war every f–king day. It’s not good.
I am a bit…
Ozzy: of a hypochondriac. If I wake up and I’ve got a lump on my neck, I don’t just think: “I’ve got a lump on my neck.” I think I’m going to die. Trouble is, I always think I know more than the doctor. In fairness, he doesn’t know what he’s f–king talking about.
I make good…
Ozzy: fish and chips. You can get fish and chips in LA, but they’re bollocks. If you come to LA and you want good fish and chips, go to one of the English pubs.
The hardest thing…
Ozzy: about getting old is all my good friends are dead. My problem, really, is I don’t remember I’m 70 [he’s 69]. I don’t really know what 70-year-old people are supposed to do. So I just do my own thing.
Read more at The Guardian.
source: theguardian.com
10 Responses
My parents, well my mom at least, thought Ozzy was the devil himself when I was a kid. One thing that makes me feel old is that all the rock stars I grew up with are now in their 60’s and 70’s. Ozzy forgets his age, well I forget I’m 48, 49 on August 20th. 70 year old dudes when I was a kid didn’t jump around on stage and play heavy metal. No, 70 year old dudes when I was a kid walked with canes, had their pants hiked up to their chest, were bald, wore glasses thicker than coke bottles, were confused all the time, had gross hair sticking out of their ears, ate supper at 4pm and said stuff like “Stay off my lawn, you damned kids!”
James K.,
One of my oldest friends is also born on 8/20, and I am 8/22. Go Leos.
Also, I hear you about forgetting my age. It’s scary that I cannot remember, considering I am decades younger than Ozzy, and never did drugs, or drank. In my case, I know it’s hormonal, being a woman is a real bummer a good portion of the time-LOL!!
Have a great holiday,
D 🙂
Hey, James, those 70 year old dudes you just described sounds alot like me and my buddies in about 19 years! LOL!!!! 🙂 Cheers!
Craig,
Not every article has to have a “purpose,” some are simply for entertainment (such as this one), and others, to promote discourse. You may not care about Ozzy’s observations, but others may have a differing opinion.
While I agree it’s important to discuss new bands, you do realize that Eddie plays a lot of classic hard rock and metal, right? Additionally, without bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Judas Priest, etc. there would be no Greta Van Fleet (who is a complete Zeppelin bite, btw), Ghost, etc. So, those classic rock bands/artists will continue to be a primary focus on this site, I am sorry if that disappoints you.
Cheers,
D
Aug 13 here and yes I can’t remember if I’m 52 or 53 guess I don’t care oh I’ve heard a good story Ed would be interested in Phill Mogg calling it quits after 50 th anniversary tour Wow now no more UFO
Hey Charles, my fellow Leo, 🙂
Eddie, just sent me the UFO story, here is the link: https://eddietrunk.com/ufo-frontman-phil-mogg-to-leave-the-band-next-year-says-its-my-time-to-go/
D 🙂
Doug, I’m less than 22 years away from it myself! Lol!
Dana, being a Leo is the coolest, as you know! I was born two days after Woodstock ended. We are in great company as far as being Leos goes. Just a few other Leos are Robert Plant, Phil Lynott, Dimebag (all born on the same daye as me!), Ian Gillan, James Hetfield and, of course, Eddie Trunk.
Have a great week Dana.
And guess who else, James?? My love John Sykes!!! Yep, that’s right. Mr. Sykes is born on 7/29 🙂
D 🙂