Summary

"I Am Ozzy" is the autobiography of Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath and a reality television star. The book chronicles his life from a poverty-stricken childhood in post-World War II Aston, Birmingham, to his rise to fame as a rock musician and his subsequent struggles with addiction and mental health issues.

The book details Ozzy's early life, marked by dyslexia and a feeling of being a misfit. He recounts his early brushes with crime, including a stint in prison for burglary. He reflects on the grim realities of working-class life in Aston, where factory jobs were the only option for many. Ozzy describes the influence of The Beatles on his decision to pursue a career in music, leading to the formation of his first bands and eventually Black Sabbath.

Osbourne vividly portrays the early days of Black Sabbath, their struggles to gain recognition, and the development of their signature dark and heavy sound. He delves into the band's experimentation with occult themes and their controversial image. Ozzy recounts the band's breakthrough success and the excesses of life on the road, including heavy drug use and frequent run-ins with the law.

The autobiography covers Osbourne's tumultuous personal life, including his marriage to Sharon Arden (later Osbourne), his battles with addiction, and his attempts to maintain a stable family life amidst the chaos of fame. He details his firing from Black Sabbath, his subsequent solo career, and the challenges of maintaining sobriety. The narrative explores his complex relationship with his parents, his bandmates, and his own demons.

The book chronicles the making of hit records such as Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman, providing insight into the creative processes and the dynamics within his bands. Osbourne shares anecdotes about his encounters with other famous musicians and celebrities, such as Robert Plant, John Lennon and Frank Zappa. The story culminates in the success of MTV's The Osbournes, which brought Ozzy and his family into the homes of millions.

"I Am Ozzy" is a candid and often humorous account of a life lived on the edge. It's a story of resilience, survival, and the enduring power of music. Osbourne's story offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rock and roll lifestyle, while also exploring the challenges of addiction, mental illness, and family relationships.