Mr. Crowley (Live 1981)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as the Zoo Crew spins the haunting riffs of "Mr. Crowley (Live 1981)" by Ozzy Osbourne from the Tribute: Ozzy w/ Randy Rhoads album! This track, a tribute to the enigmatic occultist Aleister Crowley, is a cornerstone of heavy metal history. One juicy piece of trivia comes from the song’s iconic keyboard intro, crafted by Don Airey. In an interview, Airey shared that he kicked the band out of the studio for half an hour to create the eerie opening, and when Ozzy returned, he exclaimed, “You just plugged into my head, man!” The song’s inspiration stemmed from Ozzy’s fascination with Crowley’s book Diary of a Drug Fiend and a deck of tarot cards found in the studio during the recording of Blizzard of Ozz. Fun fact: Ozzy mispronounces Crowley’s name as “Kraow-lee” instead of the correct “Kro-lee,” adding a quirky charm to the track.

Another tidbit from social media posts on X highlights the rarity of live footage from this era. A post from @doomedparade on August 30, 2024, suggests Ozzy’s insecurity about others copying Randy Rhoads’ guitar style led to limited recordings, making performances like the 1981 After Hours TV show in Ogden, New York, a precious gem. Fans on Reddit have shared stories of the song’s hypnotic effect, with one user recalling how the track synced perfectly with a World of Warcraft cinematic, amplifying the experience. The song’s guitar solo by Randy Rhoads, ranked 28th best by Guitar World readers in 2011, is a testament to his genius, with Ozzy himself calling Rhoads “the best composer & musician” he ever met in a March 19, 2025, X post.

Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, kicked off his legendary career as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath in the late 1960s. Growing up in a working-class family, Ozzy’s early life was tough, marked by poverty and a stint in prison for burglary. His passion for music, inspired by The Beatles, led him to form bands like The Polka Tulk Blues Band with schoolmate Tony Iommi, which evolved into Black Sabbath. Their dark, heavy sound pioneered heavy metal, with albums like Paranoid cementing their legacy. After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse, Ozzy launched a solo career with the help of his wife and manager, Sharon. His debut album, Blizzard of Ozz, featuring Randy Rhoads, was a massive success, proving Ozzy’s staying power.

Stay connected with Ozzy Osbourne through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates and tributes to his legacy. Fans can dive deeper into the Ozzy universe through fan sites like Ozzyhead.com, a hub for news and discography, or join vibrant communities like the Ozzy Osbourne Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect over their love for the Prince of Darkness. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!