Ozzy has played various instruments through his career. On some Black Sabbath recordings, he has played Harmonica, and Clavinet (Keyboard). It has been said (I cant remember where) that when he Ozzy Osbourne is a world-renowned musician, known for his work as the lead singer of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Though often overshadowed by his louder and more aggressive vocal style, Osbourne is also a highly skilled guitarist. Black Sabbath essentially pioneered the metal genre. This made Ozzy musical royalty forever. Because of all of this, it’s easy to see why Ozzy denies having any guitar capabilities. Compared to those in his band, he probably doesn’t consider himself actually able to play the guitar. Ozzy Osbourne’s guitar playing is a defining feature of his music, with a distinctive style that blends blues, rock, and heavy metal. Explore his early life and career, guitar techniques, and influences in this article. John Michael " Ozzy " Osbourne (3 December 1948 – 22 July 2025) was an English singer, songwriter, and media personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which period he adopted the nickname " Prince of Darkness ". [6] Osbourne became a founding member of Black Sabbath in 1968, providing lead vocals from their Black Sabbath formed in 1968, taking members from two other local bands – guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward from Mythology, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler from Rare Breed. Secondly, did Ozzy play guitar in Black Sabbath? As you know, Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham in 1968. Goodbye Ozzy The 1970s was a wild decade for Black Sabbath, the music industry, and Ozzy Osbourne. Over time, his abuse of drugs and alcohol began to take its toll. This never really became a big issue until after Osbourne’s motorcycle accident in November 1975. Not only did this shorten Black Sabbath’s road tour at the time but inflicted enough injury to Osbourne that there was a need for Ozzy Osbourne's "final moment" at his farewell concert has gone viral on social media. The Black Sabbath frontman, known as the "Prince of Darkness," died on Tuesday at the age of 76. The Context Yes, Ozzy Osbourne is an accomplished guitarist. He started playing guitar when he was a teenager and has gone on to record multiple albums with his own band as well as with Black Sabbath. He continues to play the guitar today during live performances of some of his classic songs such as “Crazy Train” and “War Pigs”. Ozzy Osbourne reveled in being on stage a final time during his final Black Sabbath concert, just weeks before his death. Ozzy has been involved with music his entire life. He probably doesn’t read or write standard notation and I doubt he can “shred” on any instrument but I am most certain he can pretty much play something on a guitar, bass or keyboard. Ozzy Osbourne revealed that he has assembled an arsenal of guitar gods — Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, and longtime collaborator Zakk Wylde — for his upcoming new album, the follow-up to 2020’s similarly all-star Ordinary Man. Ozzy Osbourne rose to prominence as a member of Black Sabbath, a heavy metal rock band. One common characteristic of rock and roll music is the loud guitar playing. OZZY Osbourne joined Black Sabbath on stage for a poignant final show just weeks before his death aged 76. The rock legend arrived on stage at Villa Park in Birmingham, dressed in his trademark black, in what was his last ever performance earlier this month. Yes, Ozzy Osbourne plays guitar. He was the lead guitarist in the band Black Sabbath before embarking on a successful solo career. Ozzy has also released several albums with his backing band, including “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary of a Madman”. >> Click to read more << Also to know is, did Ozzy play guitar in Black Sabbath? As you know, Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham in 1968. The band’s first lineup was Tony Iommi on guitar, Ozzy Osbourne on vocals, Bill Ward on drums, and Geezer Butler on bass. Black Sabbath Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy Osbourne was recently asked by Rolling Stone on why he never played an instrument, to which he replied: “That’s one of my biggest regrets. “I can play a little bit of harmonica, and that’s about it. But I have an ear for melody. Yes, Ozzy Osbourne did play guitar. In fact, he was the guitarist for Black Sabbath during their first two albums, ‘Black Sabbath’ and ‘Paranoid’. Later on in his career he worked with various other artists including Randy Rhoads who played lead guitar on some of Osbourne’s solo albums. He also worked with Zakk Wylde to form the backing band ‘The Blizzard of Ozz’ which released Known as the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne started out playing the blues before gaining world fame with Black Sabbath - for many the band that started Heavy Metal - and later his incredible solo career. One instrument always remained his number one passion and never left his side - a HOHNER harmonica.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |