No More Tears

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is spinning a killer track tonight with Ozzy Osbourne's "No More Tears" from his 1991 album of the same name. This song, clocking in at over seven minutes, is Ozzy’s longest studio recording as a solo artist. It came to life during a spontaneous jam session, as guitarist Zakk Wylde shared in a Songfacts interview: "We were just messing around in rehearsals. Mike started jamming that on the bass, then Randy started playing drums, and then John started doing that keyboard bit." Ozzy himself called it "a gift from God" in the liner notes for his Prince of Darkness collection. The track’s dark, macabre vibe tells the story of a stalker tormenting women in a red-light district, with lyrics co-written by Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead. The music video features model and actress Mariah O'Brien crying until submerged in her own tears, and a cameo from Ozzy’s daughter Kelly Osbourne lip-syncing the eerie outro line, "It's just a hand in the bush."

Another wild tidbit comes from fan chatter on Songfacts, where some speculated the song’s title was inspired by a "No More Tears" shampoo bottle Ozzy saw while bathing his kid, though this remains unconfirmed. The song’s creation was a turning point for Ozzy, marking his first sober recording after years of substance abuse, as noted in a Pitchfork review of the album’s 30th anniversary reissue. Louder magazine highlighted how the album, including this track, was a career resurrection, with Ozzy proving his relevance in a grunge-dominated era. Posts on X from @HeavyMetal_999 also point out that the album sold nearly 4 million copies, with Lemmy’s lyrical contributions adding a gritty edge to tracks like "No More Tears."

Now, let’s rewind to how the Prince of Darkness got his start. Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Ozzy grew up in a working-class family in the Aston neighborhood. As detailed in his Britannica biography, he dropped out of school at 15, taking odd jobs and dabbling in petty crime, even landing in jail for two months at 17 for burglary. Music became his escape when he started singing in local rock bands. In 1968, he teamed up with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward to form a band initially called Earth. To avoid confusion with another act, they renamed themselves Black Sabbath, inspired by a Boris Karloff horror flick. Their self-titled debut in 1970, with its heavy, ominous sound, helped pioneer heavy metal. Ozzy’s raw vocals and the band’s occult-themed lyrics built a cult following, cemented by albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality.

After being fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to drug and alcohol issues, Ozzy bounced back with a solo career, spurred on by his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne. His 1980 debut, Blizzard of Ozz, featuring guitarist Randy Rhoads and the hit "Crazy Train," went multiplatinum. As noted in Wikipedia, Ozzy’s first seven solo albums all achieved multiplatinum status, and he’s sold over 100 million albums combined with Black Sabbath and his solo work. His larger-than-life persona also shone through in the reality TV show The Osbournes on MTV, which aired from 2002 to 2005.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Ozzy on his official website, where you’ll find the latest news and tour updates. Connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes glimpses and more. Fans also gather at sites like Ozzy.net, a dedicated fan hub with discographies and forums. On Facebook, check out groups like Blizzard of Ozz Tribute, a page for Europe’s top Ozzy tribute band with over 6,000 likes, where fans share their love for his music. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!