Sergio reviews Ozzy Osbourne’s autobiography, I Am Ozzy.

Book Title: I Am Ozzy
Year: 2009
Type of Music/Artist involved: Ozzy Osbourne
Pages: 391

I Am Ozzy has been eagerly anticipated by the Prince of Darkness’s fans – and it sure has been worth the wait, as Ozzy finally clears up many rumours and misconceptions about his extraordinary and wild life, including the infamous dove biting incident.  

The book chronicles the journey of John “Ozzy” Osbourne from the industrial town of Aston, Birmingham to his post-MTV life as a living legend in the almanacs of metal. As expected, Ozzy shares many stories in his distinct dry British sense of humour, which make them even funnier than what they really are – his descriptions are just

Among the highlights is a tale from his days in Black Sabbath. After one of their tours, the band and the road crew were all lined up, pants down, ready to receive shots from a doctor for any possible STDs acquired – just so they wouldn’t take any diseases home to their wives!

In what can best be described as the most emotional moment in the book, Ozzy opens up about the death of his legendary guitarist, Randy Rhoads. Even though, it is nearly 28 years since his passing, Ozzy still gets moved when discussing Rhoads and his hairdresser/seamstress Rachel Youngblood’s untimely deaths.

While he did most certainly live a wild life filled with much booze, drugs and sex, I Am Ozzy is nowhere near the debauchery and excess that was chronicled in Motley Crue’s The Dirt – even Ozzy discusses their utter madness in his memoir.

Overall, it’s a decent and enjoyable read for both Ozzy and non-Ozzy fans. Just don’t expect it to shock you, as it’s pretty timid compared to other rock ’n roll biographies.

65/100

- Sergio Pereira
sergio@musicreview.co.za
www.twitter.com/scpereira
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