Beyond doubt Ozzy Osbourne has made a unique name for himself and has become, on top of his musical successes, a household name due to his many TV appearances and shows. It’s a name most people will be familiar with, and whatever they think about him, will at least acknowledge that although sometimes controversial and outlandish, he’s nevertheless a colourful and interesting character well deserving of an autobiography of his own.
And this is it: Ozzy’s own unique insights into his life, escapades and struggles with addiction. I think it’s a great book and definitely readable, shedding light on many of the episodes and events that have shaped his life on the road, in the media and at home. It’s all here: his early hardships and imprisonment, his time in a slaughterhouse, his rise through pioneering band Black Sabbath, his solo career, his craziness, the doves, the bat, the Alamo episode, Randy Rhoads, the plane crash, band member conflicts, Don Arden, the love for his wife Sharon, the night he nearly strangled her, her influence on his career, her cancer, his quad bike accident, his father’s death, his regrets, his joys, and his multitudinous addictions and struggles with them.
The book is undeniably funny and at times quite touching, exposing his trials, tribulations and foibles as a human being and a personality at the forefront of a lifestyle known for its excesses. However, it also shows him as being a devoted (albeit sometimes struggling) family man. What I like is that Ozzy is quite philosophical about his life and acknowledges with candor where he has gone wrong. One thing I’m not too keen on is that I think he’s overemphasising the animal cruelty bits for dramatic effect (especially the chicken coop episode), although he later states there’s no excuse for such actions.
I would have preferred the book to have more insights into the creative processes of his music and the people he’s worked with rather than being predominately centred upon his addictions and wild escapades, but it’s his autobiography expressed the way he’s wanted it. In other words, it’s uniquely Ozzy. It’s also an all round entertaining read with little to detract from it. As a representative of who he is it does an admirable job. Whatever views one might have of Ozzy, he’s not in the least pretentious, ready to admit his mistakes and appreciates what fame and fortune have brought him.
There’s over 400 printed pages (although I’m reviewing from the Kindle edition) but at no time does the book drag, and there’s plenty to hold interest, As far as autobiographies go, it’s a lot more interesting and entertaining than perhaps some other celebrity autobiographies / biographies I’ve read. All in all, it’s difficult not to like Ozzy. He’s all about entertainment and that’s what he’s done: he’s superbly entertained nations for decades, and for that we have to give him thanks and credit for. Do I recommend the book? Yes, absolutely. Please note that it may not be suitable for younger readers.
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Stacy Erickson
Great read for Ozzy fans and non-fans alike!
Reviewed in the United States on 4 May 2024
