Geezer butler

A personal Ozzy tribute by Classic Rock ’s Geoff Barton.

I was a rebellious kid. I didn’t like commitment, I couldn’t hold a job down. I was always being yelled at by my mother for not bringing any money into the house. I was a bit of a drifter really. I le

Over seemingly insurmountable obstacles, OZZY OSBOURNE dragged himself to the pinnacle of rock'n'roll. Haunted by rejection, raddled with substances, but also full of love, fun and a talent he couldn't describe or always understand, his victory was one for every underdog, everywhere. SYLVIE SIMMONS watched it all unfold...

From a home in England’s West Midlands, to Knebworth and Live Aid with Led Zep and back, via fame, fortune, tragedy and musical resurrection – ROBERT PLANT ’ s come full circle. A new album with local heroes Saving Grace exemplifies his hard rock apostasy, the reason he’d rather worship Nora Brown than hang with Axl Rose. And if all else fails? “I’ll just be an Elvis impersonator!” he tells KEITH CAMERON .

Ozzy as a young boy. He attended Prince Albert Junior & Infant School in Aston, where he picked up the nickname Ozzy. He was born John Michael Osbourne. The first ever picture of Ozzy’s band – Tony Io

His life may have been defined by chaos, controversy and tales of excess, but music legend Ozzy Osbourne got what could be described as the perfect send off last week when he passed away at 76, surrou