Hellraiser (with Lemmy Kilmister)

The song "Hellraiser," a collaboration between Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, is a standout track from Osbourne’s 1991 album No More Tears. Co-written by Osbourne, guitarist Zakk Wylde, and Kilmister, the song captures the raw energy of rock and roll excess, with lyrics reflecting the chaotic lifestyle of touring musicians. An intriguing piece of trivia is that both Osbourne and Motörhead recorded versions of "Hellraiser," with Motörhead’s rendition appearing on their 1992 album March ör Die and featured in the horror film Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth. The Motörhead music video famously depicted Lemmy playing poker against Pinhead, portrayed by Doug Bradley, who later shared a story of spending a day with Lemmy in Los Angeles, laughing over shared memories of British comedy while Lemmy drank whiskey at an alarming rate.

In 2021, to mark the 30th anniversary of No More Tears, a special mashup version of "Hellraiser" was released, blending Osbourne’s and Kilmister’s vocals. This release included an animated music video directed by Mark Szumski and Gina Niespodziani, showing Osbourne, Lemmy, and Motörhead drummer Phil Taylor fighting zombies and demons after being transported from the Rainbow Bar and Grill, a favorite haunt of Lemmy’s. Osbourne reflected on the project, saying, “I’m so glad we were able to honor my dear friend Lemmy with this duet and now the video,” emphasizing their decades-long friendship. The video paid homage to their bond, starting with the duo playing arcade games, a nod to Lemmy’s love for gaming, as noted by Zakk Wylde, who said, “Lemmy was buddies with Ozzy forever.”

Another layer to the song’s legacy is its personal connection to Osbourne and Kilmister’s friendship, which began in the 1970s. When Osbourne was ousted from Black Sabbath in 1979, Motörhead supported his first U.S. solo tour, boosting his confidence as a solo artist. However, the tour was cut short due to Osbourne’s struggles with addiction, a moment Kilmister bluntly addressed by telling him, “F*ck me. I hope I don’t look as bad as you.” This candid exchange, shared by Osbourne in interviews, underscored their mutual respect and shared battles with substance abuse. The 2021 vinyl release of "Hellraiser," featuring both artists’ versions and the mashup, was celebrated by fans on platforms like X, with posts praising the animated video’s “action spectacular” vibe.

Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, began his music career as the frontman of Black Sabbath, a band that pioneered heavy metal in the late 1960s. Formed with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward, Black Sabbath’s dark, heavy sound, inspired by blues and horror films, gained a cult following with albums like Paranoid (1970). Osbourne’s distinctive voice and provocative lyrics helped the band achieve global success, but internal conflicts and substance abuse led to his dismissal in 1979. Undeterred, Osbourne launched a solo career, assembling a talented band including guitarist Randy Rhoads. His debut solo album, Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featuring hits like “Crazy Train,” solidified his status as a solo star.

Osbourne’s solo career flourished through the 1980s and 1990s, with albums like Diary of a Madman (1981) and No More Tears (1991) showcasing his ability to evolve while staying true to his heavy metal roots. His collaboration with Kilmister on No More Tears was a high point, producing not only “Hellraiser” but also the Grammy-winning “I Don’t Want to Change the World” and the heartfelt “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Despite personal struggles, including addiction and health challenges, Osbourne’s resilience and larger-than-life persona made him a cultural icon, further amplified by the reality TV show The Osbournes (2002–2005). He continues to perform and record, with recent albums like Patient Number 9 (2022) earning critical acclaim.

Fans can connect with Ozzy Osbourne through his official website, where updates on tours, music, and merchandise are posted. His social media presence is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares personal insights, throwback photos, and news, such as the 2021 “Hellraiser” vinyl release. Fan communities thrive online, with groups like the Ozzy Osbourne Fans on Facebook offering a space for Zoo Freaks to discuss his music and legacy. Additionally, fan-run sites like Ozzy.net provide detailed discographies, tour archives, and forums for enthusiasts to celebrate the Prince of Darkness.