Yesterday @ 4:20 p.m. / Pollz
POLL! What Was Ozzy Osbourne’s Best Song? (Nominees Chosen by Humboldt Metal Musician, Show Booker and LoCO Office Genie Gena!)
The Prince of Darkness has exited the stage. Just over two weeks since performing one last time with Black Sabbath in the band’s hometown of Birmingham, England, heavy metal legend and pioneer Ozzy Osbourne died Tuesday. He was 76.
Ozzy by Gena, pencil on paper
The rock icon’s passing provoked much sadness over here at Lost Coast Communications, as evidenced by the multiple simultaneous Ozzy tunes emanating from various corners of the building. Arguably, none of our colleagues were quite so moved as our office admin assistant Gena Bernabe — we know this to be true because, when we came across her, she was scribbling the li’l pencil-drawn memorial portrait pictured here.
To be clear, Gena has a little more metal cred than just her aforementioned artwork. When she’s not working the phones for LoCO, she also finds time to book some of the Metal Mondays, Thursdays, Sundays, etc. that have been known, on occasion, for damaging the walls at Savage Henry Comedy Club. Oh, and she also shreds guitar in local band Rohirrim, so… she’s legit, OK?!
With that in mind, we asked Gena if she could set aside her grief and come up with a list for today’s edition of LoCO Pollz which aims to crown Ozzy’s best song. (Both Black Sabbath and solo years are given weight.)
We trust Gena (and you should too). -AG
What Was Ozzy Osbourne’s Best Song?
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“Black Sabbath” – Black Sabbath, 1970
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“The Wizard”- Black Sabbath, 1970
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“Paranoid” – Paranoid, 1970
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“War Pigs” – Paranoid, 1970
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“Fairies Wear Boots” – Paranoid, 1970
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“Sweet Leaf” – Master of Reality, 1971
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“Crazy Train” – Blizzard of Ozz, 1980
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“Miracle Man” – No Rest for the Wicked, 1988
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“Blood Bath in Paradise” – No Rest for the Wicked, 1988
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“Mama, I’m Coming Home” – No More Tears, 1991
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“Ghost Behind My Eyes” – Ozzmosis, 1995
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“I am unfamiliar with Mr. Ozzy’s body of work. And I am sorry.”
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“Gena sounds like a cool and edgy person and I’m sure we would get along. Having said that, she did not pick my fav Ozzy classic, which I will share with you in the comments section.”
1,395 votes cast.
Poll closes: Today @ 4:20 p.m.
Our colleague Gena earning more cred
Black Sabbath’s first television appearance on U.K. show Top of the Pops
PREVIOUS POLL:
Beyond the Stage: The Enduring Legacy of Ozzy Osbourne’s Music
Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness,” may have taken his final bow, but his influence on heavy metal and popular culture continues to resonate. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his successful solo career, Ozzy’s music has left an indelible mark. But what does the future hold for the genre he helped define?
The Rise of Nostalgia and Legacy Acts
One clear trend is the ongoing power of nostalgia. Classic rock and metal acts like Black Sabbath (in their final form) continue to draw massive crowds. This phenomenon isn’t limited to Ozzy; bands from the same era, such as Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, are still touring, often with younger generations of fans in attendance. This shows the enduring power of iconic music.
As streaming services curate “best of” playlists, and younger generations discover these iconic bands, their music continues to be relevant. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are essential in keeping this music fresh and accessible. This ensures that the music of Ozzy Osbourne and his contemporaries will remain influential.
The Evolution of Metal: New Sounds and Styles
While the classics endure, metal continues to evolve. Modern bands are blending genres and exploring new territories. We see everything from death metal to metalcore influencing the scene. Bands like Ghost, with their theatrical performances and catchy tunes, are a great example of metal’s evolution.
This evolution means the “Ozzy Osbourne” sound will be reinterpreted. Younger artists will pay homage to the master while incorporating fresh elements, keeping metal dynamic. This can involve incorporating electronic music elements or blending metal with hip-hop.
Technology and the Future of Music Consumption
Technology plays a significant role in how we consume music. Streaming has changed how people discover and listen to music, while social media continues to play a significant role in the music industry. Bands are able to reach a global audience directly.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are becoming crucial tools for promoting music and creating engaging experiences. Think of virtual concerts and interactive album experiences. Imagine a VR Ozzy Osbourne concert, allowing fans to experience a show from their homes. This is not just a trend; it’s the future.
The Power of Community and Fan Engagement
The metal community has always been strong. Online forums, fan clubs, and social media groups offer a place for fans to connect and share their love for the music. This connection is crucial for supporting artists and keeping the spirit of metal alive.
Direct engagement from artists is becoming more common. Many musicians use platforms like Patreon to connect directly with fans, offering exclusive content and early access to new music. This creates a more intimate and personal relationship between artists and their fanbase.
Did you know?
Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” is one of the most recognizable metal anthems and has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and video games.
Pro Tip:
Explore metal subgenres! There’s a vast world of music beyond mainstream hits. Start with bands like Mastodon, Gojira, and Meshuggah.
FAQ Section
Q: Will metal always be relevant?
A: Yes! The passion of fans, the ongoing evolution of the music, and the power of nostalgia guarantee its continued relevance.
Q: What’s the next big thing in metal?
A: Expect more genre blending, immersive experiences through VR/AR, and increased fan engagement.
Q: How can I discover new metal bands?
A: Use streaming services, explore online metal communities, and check out local music scenes.
Q: Is metal still about rebellion?
A: While the core remains, themes vary. Metal bands still challenge norms, but they also explore a range of human experiences.
What are your favorite Ozzy Osbourne songs? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Also, check out our other articles on music, entertainment, and local events. And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates.