Flying High Again (Live 1981)

The Zoo Crew is spinning a killer track tonight for all you Zoo Freaks out there, cranking up "Flying High Again (Live 1981)" by Ozzy Osbourne from the Tribute: Ozzy w/ Randy Rhoads album. This live version, recorded on May 11, 1981, in Cleveland, Ohio, captures the raw energy of Ozzy’s early solo days with the legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads. The song itself, originally from the 1981 Diary of a Madman album, is a fist-pumping heavy metal anthem with Rhoads’ scorching guitar solo stealing the show. Critics like Gina Boldman from AllMusic called it one of Ozzy’s most memorable tracks, praising Rhoads’ “expertly executed” solo that builds melodically without ever getting overblown. Loudwire’s Jon Wiederhorn noted in 2023 that Rhoads “shined bright as the sun” on this track, making it a standout among other storming rockers like “Over the Mountain.”

Digging into the trivia, Ozzy himself has said Randy Rhoads was the highlight of Diary of a Madman, calling him a musician who “could do anything.” The song’s lyrics, co-written by bassist Bob Daisley, were inspired by a cocaine-fueled afternoon at Ridge Farm studios, with lines like “swallowing colors from the sounds I hear” reflecting that wild vibe. Daisley revealed in a 2011 MusicRadar interview that he suggested the riff shift to F# for the middle section, giving the song its distinctive edge. Tragically, this track is part of Rhoads’ final studio work, as he died in a plane crash in 1982, just months after the album’s release. The live cut on Tribute is a testament to his genius, with fans on Reddit raving about the “great energy and clarity” of the recording, especially Rhoads’ polka-dot Flying V shredding.

Now, let’s rewind to how Ozzy Osbourne kicked off his legendary career. Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy grew up in a working-class family with a passion for music. He co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968 with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, pioneering heavy metal with their dark, heavy sound. Albums like Paranoid (1970) made them icons, but by 1979, Ozzy’s struggles with substance abuse led to his exit from the band. Undeterred, he launched his solo career with the help of manager Sharon Arden (later Sharon Osbourne). His debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featured Randy Rhoads and tracks like “Crazy Train,” which skyrocketed him to new heights. Ozzy’s raw vocals, theatrical stage presence, and knack for controversy—like the infamous bat-biting incident—cemented his status as the Prince of Darkness.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Ozzy’s official website for tour dates, merch, and more. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares updates and tributes, like his 2025 post honoring Randy Rhoads. Fans can join the Ozzy Osbourne Fans group on Facebook to swap stories and rare finds. For more on Ozzy’s legacy, OzzyNet is a killer fan site with a detailed bio and FAQ. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks, and stay tuned for more heavy vibes from THE ZOO!