Perry Mason

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heavy riffs of Perry Mason by Ozzy Osbourne from his 1995 album Ozzmosis, and the Zoo Freaks are surely banging their heads to this classic. One juicy piece of trivia comes from guitarist Zakk Wylde, who shared in a Songfacts interview that the song started as a jam session. Wylde recalled John Purdell riffing on a cool rhythm, which he joined in on, and the track’s iconic climb and main riff took shape. Ozzy then jumped in, singing about Perry Mason, inspired by the fictional lawyer from Erle Stanley Gardner’s books and the 1957–1966 TV show. Another tidbit from Ozzy himself, mentioned in interviews around the album’s release, is that the song’s concept was sparked by watching Perry Mason reruns daily while in rehab, where the show was a constant on the facility’s TV.

Some fans on platforms like Reddit have speculated about deeper meanings, with a few suggesting the lyrics—like “riding painted horses” and “draw me a line”—hint at drug addiction, though others, like commenter Scott from Arizona on Songfacts, argue it’s a nod to carousel horses and tied to a Perry Mason movie. However, a Reddit user, SuperZapper_Recharge, pointed to a possible legal angle, noting Ozzy’s frequent courtroom battles in the ‘80s and ‘90s, including the “Suicide Solution” lawsuit and disputes with former bandmates Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake, which might’ve made him feel like he needed a Perry Mason in his corner. Adding to the song’s lore, BraveWords reported that an earlier demo of Perry Mason, produced by Michael Wagener, had a rawer sound with Mike Inez on bass and Randy Castillo on drums, but Epic Records pushed for a heavier vibe, leading to the final version with Geezer Butler and Deen Castronovo.

Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, kicked off his legendary career as the frontman of Black Sabbath. Growing up in a working-class family, Ozzy’s early life was tough, with stints in low-paying jobs and even a brief jail term for burglary. His passion for music, inspired by The Beatles, led him to answer a local ad in the late ‘60s for a band needing a singer. That band became Black Sabbath, with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, and their dark, heavy sound pioneered heavy metal. Albums like Paranoid and Master of Reality made them icons, but by 1979, Ozzy’s struggles with substance abuse led to his firing from the band. Undeterred, he launched a solo career with the help of his wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne. His debut album, Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featuring hits like “Crazy Train,” was a massive success, cementing his status as the “Prince of Darkness.”

Fans can keep up with Ozzy on his official website, where tour dates, merch, and news are posted. His Facebook page is a hub for updates and fan interaction, while Instagram offers glimpses into his life, from studio shots to throwbacks. On X, Ozzy shares quick updates and engages with fans. For deeper fan connections, Ozzyhead.com is a dedicated fan site with detailed discographies and rare content, while the Ozzy Osbourne Fans Facebook group is a lively community where Zoo Freaks can swap stories, share concert pics, and celebrate the Ozzman’s legacy.