Ordinary Man (Featuring Elton John)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the powerful ballad "Ordinary Man," featuring Elton John, by Ozzy Osbourne, a track that’s actually from his 2020 album Ordinary Man, not Patient Number 9 as the Zoo Freaks might’ve heard. This song is a reflective rock anthem, with Ozzy’s raw vocals blending seamlessly with Elton John’s soulful piano and voice. One fascinating piece of trivia comes from Ozzy himself, who shared in a Billboard interview that the song’s melody reminded him of an old Elton John track. He mentioned to his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, “I wonder if he would sing on it?” They reached out, and Elton not only agreed but delivered a heartfelt verse and piano performance. The track also boasts an all-star lineup, including Slash on guitar, Duff McKagan on bass, and Chad Smith on drums, making it a supergroup effort. In a SiriusXM interview, Chad Smith revealed Ozzy’s love for The Beatles heavily influenced the song’s melodic, almost “November Rain”-esque vibe, with Slash’s solo adding a soaring emotional peak.

Another intriguing story surfaced during a Rolling Stone feature, where Ozzy revealed that Ordinary Man was the first album he recorded completely sober, a significant milestone for the rock legend known for his wild past. The music video, directed by Stephen Lee Carr, is equally poignant, showing Ozzy in an empty theater watching archival footage of his life, from his Black Sabbath days to his solo career and family moments with Sharon, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne. Fans on Reddit praised the video’s emotional depth, with one user, Julie Rininger from Pennsylvania, calling it “inspiring” for its raw reflection on Ozzy’s legacy. The song’s impact was further cemented when it won the 2021 Planet Rock Award for Best British Single, a testament to its resonance with fans worldwide. Ozzy noted in a Forbes interview that the song’s theme of not wanting to “die an ordinary man” mirrors his lifelong defiance of a mundane existence, a sentiment that struck a chord with the Zoo Freaks tuning in.

Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, kicked off his legendary career in 1968 as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath. Growing up in a working-class family, Ozzy’s early life was marked by poverty and brushes with the law, including a stint in prison for petty theft. His love for music, particularly inspired by The Beatles, drove him to form a band with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Originally called the Polka Tulk Blues Band, they soon became Black Sabbath, pioneering heavy metal with their dark, heavy sound on albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality. Ozzy’s distinctive voice and theatrical stage presence earned him the nickname “Prince of Darkness.” Fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to substance abuse, Ozzy launched a solo career with Sharon’s guidance, releasing the iconic Blizzard of Ozz in 1980, featuring hits like “Crazy Train.” His solo work, blending catchy melodies with gothic metal, solidified his status as a rock icon, with over 100 million albums sold.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Ozzy through his official website, where they can find tour dates, merch, and news about his latest projects. His Facebook page is a hub for updates and fan interactions, while his Instagram offers glimpses into his life, from studio sessions to family moments. On X, Ozzy shares candid thoughts and engages with fans, often with his signature humor. For deeper fan connections, the Ozzy Osbourne Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where fans discuss his music, share memorabilia, and organize meetups. Another great spot is the fan-run Ozzyhead.com, packed with discographies, rare photos, and forums for die-hard supporters. These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks plugged into the legacy of the Godfather of Heavy Metal, whose influence continues to roar.