07/23/2025
Ozzfest 2007.
I’d spent a few years working in the industry, as this was in the beginning of my career working backstage, with artists and tours…. and blessed with great people (and solid connections) to get me closer to the music industry. Ozzy’s mum was there as well, side stage for a short while. Their tour manager was super nice, but made sure we didn’t get any pics of his mum. Back then, Ozzy was also on a ton of medication (that was over done, made him a little loopy, and found later they over prescribed him … if you ever watched or followed that time of his life.) We had full access to everything. I also listened to Ozzy do vocal warm ups in the bathroom prior to the show.
We had a riser on stage that let us really see the crowd and performance. I remember Ozzy running back to high five all of us on front of the line, he almost face planted - tripping over all the cords on the ground. Luckily he didn’t!
I took this photo from the first 3 songs we were allowed to take them. This was 3rd Ozzfest I’ve ever attended, and 1st time backstage for it.
It was shows like this that changed my life and career, and opportunities until COVID shut the world down for a while (for working tours / shows for therapy)
So…. When I saw the last recording and live video of Ozzy performing “Mama, I’m coming home” - it was more than a bittersweet farewell. I’m so thankful to have had the chance to see both worlds. Rest in Peace, Prince of Darkness.
