By Chloe Caddy

The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, has passed away this month. This was not on my 2025 bingo card, that’s for sure. Whether you grew up on 80’s rock, like me, or disagree with the message from the genre, I think it’s safe to say, there is a global respect that needs to be shown for Ozzy Osbourne.  

The fundamentals of rock culture thrive on freedom of expression, anti-establishment, the power of creativity. In the 1970’s and 80’s rock quite literally took over. With all the social controversy and disagreement over new-wave ideologies, rock built a home for those who were enemies of ‘the man’. Not only was there a massive rise in punk and rock fans of all shapes, sizes and colours, there was a new sheriff in town… well more like an outlaw. 

Ozzy Osbourne was not called the Prince of Darkness for no reason. This man single-handedly said, ‘fuck the system’, and brought to life a new version of protest. His music incorporated so many silenced perspectives and voiced them in a way where you had no choice but to sit the fuck down, shut the fuck up and listen. Sure, the man was a bit crazy, high on almost all drugs under the sun, and slightly mental, but he was a goddamn legend. 

When I think about the impact Ozzy, Black Sabbath, and all the bands in which he supported and worked with, I see a community of love. Odd isn’t it. That these rock legends, who screamed about ‘unholy’ acts, and slaughtered every ideal of the modern systems, could be the most loving stars of the period. Well, I don’t think it’s odd. The entire culture of 80’s rock was created to battle a system that undermined the majority of the population.  

For those claiming that Ozzy Osbourne was a ‘cold-hearted psychopath’, take a step back and realise that this man not only fought for those that weren’t given the chance to speak but brought to life a whole genre of love and support. I mean this man paraded around the world with his little gay ally flag screaming that homophobia was the ‘real evil’. May Ozzy yell ‘SHAARRROOONNN’ for all eternity. 

R.I.P Ozzy Osbourne. 

You fucking legend.