The news of Ozzy’s passing hit me like a freight train. It’s hard to put into words the impact he had on my life, even though I wouldn’t have called myself his biggest fan. Ozzy was more than just a musician; he was a force of nature, a cultural icon, and a cornerstone of the music that shaped me. His influence on hard rock and metal is undeniable, and his legacy will echo for generations.

I can still remember sitting in my Uncle Jim’s bedroom as a wide-eyed 12-year-old, spinning Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman on his turntable. Jim was like my older brother, and he would explain to me in no uncertain terms why hard rock like Ozzy’s was so important, not just as music but as a way of life. Those moments with Jim were the spark that ignited my love of music—a love that has burned brightly ever since.

Fast forward a few years, and there I was, out in an empty field with my friends Tom and Jeff, drinking Bartels & Jaymes and blasting The Ultimate Sin on Jeff’s brother’s oversized boombox. We’d stumble home afterward, singing every word, laughing and smiling like we didn’t have a care in the world. Those were the nights that made us feel alive, and Ozzy’s music was the soundtrack to it all.

My first of a dozen Ozzy concerts was on August 3rd, 1989, at Irvine Meadows in California. I’ll never forget the electricity in the air, the way the crowd roared, and the sheer power of Ozzy’s performance. It was an unbelievable experience that deepened my love for live music and showed me just how transformative a concert could be.

Then there were the memories with my dear friend Randy Allen (Rest in Peace) , who could play "Crazy Train" and those iconic Randy Rhoads solos with such precision it gave me chills. I can still picture him kicking open his bedroom door open, guitar in hand, shredding like a man possessed.  With his brother Brad and Darren in attendance (still to this day my best friends) , our collective jaws dropped in sheer amazement as Randy channeled his inner Prince of Darkness while we just sat and soaked in the magic of those priceless moments. Randy’s talent and passion for Ozzy’s music were a testament to the impact Ozzy had on musicians everywhere, and I am sure Randy is now jamming with Ozzy in heaven.

Of course, not every memory was perfect. I’ll never forget the heartbreak of my first Ozzfest on July 9th, 2006, when I found out Ozzy wouldn’t be performing. I was devastated. But even in his absence, his presence loomed large in bands like System of a Down, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, and Black Label Society. That’s the kind of artist he was—his influence was felt even when he wasn’t on stage.

When I heard the news of his passing, I couldn’t hold back the tears. I put on "Mama, I’m Coming Home"  and let the emotions wash over me. The outpouring of love for the Ozzy was overwhelming but not surprising. He meant so much to so many people around the world. His career spanned over 50 years, and he influenced thousands of bands. He truly was the Godfather of Heavy Metal.

Even my shih-tzu, Izod, carries a piece of Ozzy Osbourne with him—his nickname is Ozzy. That’s how deeply ingrained he is in my life, in my memories, and in my heart.

Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, but his music, his spirit, and his legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Prince of Darkness. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the magic. You’ll always be a part of me.

- Matthew Belter