Ozzy Osbourne, iconic Black Sabbath front man and heavy metal pioneer, has died at 76—prompting global tributes and a rush on his music merchandise.
SAN ANTONIO — The world of rock is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures. Ozzy Osbourne, the “Godfather of Heavy Metal” and former front man of Black Sabbath, has died at 76.
Across the globe, tributes are pouring in. Fans gathered at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and at “Black Sabbath Bridge” in his hometown of Birmingham, England — where the band was born and where, just two weeks ago, Osbourne reunited with the original lineup of Black Sabbath for what he called his final performance.
In San Antonio, a city long considered the heavy metal capital of the world, fans are remembering Ozzy’s legacy — and his complicated history with the Alamo.
At Hogwild Records, a local music institution, the phones haven’t stopped ringing.
“People primarily think of us as a heavy metal store because we’re in San Antonio,” said manager Steven Alejandro. “The heavy metal capital of the world.”
Alejandro said Osbourne’s influence runs deep in the city’s musical identity.
“Our heavy metal section would be a third of its size if Black Sabbath hadn’t existed,” he said. “They created a genre that inspired generations.”
Alejandro believes working-class roots helped link San Antonio and Black Sabbath’s music.
“Why metal has taken such a foothold in San Antonio is because, if you look at the British metal bands, they were all working-class kids. Their choice was work in a factory or learn how to play the bass,” he said. “San Antonio has long been a working-class city, so there’s something in that music that spoke to our ethic.”
Reflecting on his personal introduction to Osbourne’s music, Alejandro shared a vivid memory:
“I was 9 or 10. I was in Catholic school. Before I even heard a note, We Sold Our Soul for Rock ‘n’ Roll, of course, the first song that plays is ‘Iron Man,’ which is just scary. Inside is a woman in a coffin clutching a crucifix,” he recalled, laughing. “That moment was when I realized I was going to go to hell.”
Fans like Luis Flores and Giancarlo Garza stopped by the store to find rare Sabbath vinyl records.
“I did find a Sabbath album I didn’t have yet — Volume 4,” Garza said. “I’ll definitely spin the record when I get home.”
“See if they have ‘The Ultimate Sin,’ ‘Bark at the Moon,’ or his first album — anything Sabbath really,” Flores added.
Osbourne’s history in San Antonio isn’t limited to music. In 1982, he was arrested after urinating on the Alamo Cenotaph while wearing his then-girlfriend’s dress. The act led to a temporary ban from performing in the city.
“He, let’s say, went to The Alamo and left us a present over there,” Flores said.
Years later, Osbourne made amends.
“He came back in ’92 and apologized for it. Then he came back again and apologized again,” Flores said.
The Alamo issued a statement following Osbourne’s death, acknowledging both his infamous act and his effort to reconcile:
“We honor history in all its complexities. Today, we acknowledge Ozzy Osbourne’s journey from regret to reconciliation at the historic site, and we extend our condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world.”
Despite past controversy, fans say Ozzy will be remembered not for scandal — but for his unmatched impact on rock.
“He’s paved the way for a lot of bands, a lot of musicians and his influence will continue to go on,” Garza said.
“Ozzy will always be a part of music and certainly of heavy metal music,” Alejandro added. “There will never be a period where he’s not.”
Garza also fondly recalled Osbourne’s cameo in the 2000 film “Little Nicky,” where he played himself and humorously bit the head off a bat-like villain, a nod to his infamous on-stage act.
“Everyone thinks of the bat. He bit the head off the bat!” said Garza. “‘Little Nicky’ is one of my favorite movies with Adam Sandler. Ozzy plays a role and ends up being a hero in the end!”
Osbourne revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020 and announced his retirement from touring in 2023. His final performance in Birmingham was part of a charity event called “Back to the Beginning.”
His final act, fans say, was one of generosity — supporting Parkinson’s research before his death. Billboard reports the “Back to the Beginning” show is the highest-grossing charity concert of all time.
“At the end of the day, his last act was a great thing to do for everybody,” Flores said.
Meanwhile, Osbourne merchandise is flying off the shelves. Hogwild Records expects reorders by week’s end, but supply from wholesalers is currently depleted.
Alejandro urges fans not to spend hundreds on vinyl records online — restocks are coming, at regular prices.
“There’s a reason Ozzy’s always in stock,” Alejandro said. “In death, his importance does not diminish.”