"Ozzy Osbourne recounts his amusing encounter: 'I believed it was a rotten individual impersonating the Kiss member!' Scott Ian shares his funniest anecdote about the Prince of Darkness from Anthrax"
In a heartfelt moment, Scott Ian, Anthrax guitarist and band leader, shared a memorable encounter with the late Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself. This recognition, which took place 13 years ago, led to a noticeable change in Ozzy's demeanor, as recounted by Scott earlier this year.
The encounter was witnessed by Sharon Osbourne, and it is believed that the conversation between the two music legends was a significant moment for both parties.
Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 23, 2022, at the age of 76, had been a source of inspiration for Scott since his youth. Scott first heard Black Sabbath and Ozzy's powerful vocals when he was around eight years old. His uncle Mitch, who was ten years older, introduced him to their music, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Scott vividly remembers sitting in his uncle's room with black lights on and posters around, hearing Tony Iommi’s iconic riffs, feeling both scared and fascinated by the sound, and instantly becoming a fan. The atmospheric intro of the first Black Sabbath song, with its wind, bell, and thunder sounds, left a lasting impression on him.
Black Sabbath's first song made a significant impact on Scott, marking the beginning of a lifelong appreciation for the band that is considered the roots of heavy metal. The band's unbelievably original sound and their ability to forge their own path have influenced everything that came after them.
In the late 1980s, Anthrax had the privilege of supporting Ozzy Osbourne on tour. This opportunity allowed Scott to reconnect with his musical idol, and it is said that Ozzy appeared more engaged during the show after their encounter.
In a tribute to Ozzy, Anthrax covered "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" as the b-side of the Indians single. The official Back To The Beginning programme, a commemorative programme dedicated to Ozzy's life and career, can be ordered from the official Louder store. All proceeds from the programme sales will go to the Big Issue, a magazine that supports homeless people in the UK.
On July 30, 2022, Ozzy's funeral procession took place in Birmingham, England, marking the end of an era for the rock and metal world. Ozzy's death was a shock to many, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the music he created.
[1] Quote taken from: https://www.loudersound.com/features/scott-ian-on-ozzy-osbourne-and-black-sabbath-s-impact-on-anthrax
- Scott Ian, fondly recalling a memorable encounter with Ozzy Osbourne, shared details about it earlier this year.
- Black Sabbath's first song, with its iconic riffs and atmospheric intro, left a lasting impression on the young Scott Ian.
- Anthrax covered "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" as the b-side of the Indians single, in a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
- The official Back To The Beginning programme, a commemorative programme dedicated to Ozzy's life and career, can be ordered from the official Louder store.
- Scott first heard Black Sabbath and Ozzy's powerful vocals when he was around eight years old, introduced by his uncle Mitch.
- Ozzy Osbourne had a significant impact on Anthrax, as they had the privilege of supporting him on tour in the late 1980s.
- Ozzy Osbourne's funeral procession took place in Birmingham, England, on July 30, 2022, marking the end of an era for the rock and metal world.
- The band Anthrax, led by Scott Ian, have been influenced by heavy metal, a genre greatly shaped by the roots of Black Sabbath and the music of Ozzy Osbourne.
